Spain PM Candidate Threatens to Withdraw from 2030 World Cup if Morocco Hosts Final

A leading candidate for Spain's next Prime Minister has threatened to withdraw the nation from co-hosting the 2030 World Cup if Morocco is awarded the final. Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the conservative Partido Popular, has pledged to withdraw national support for the tournament if he is elected Prime Minister.

Spain's role as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup could be in jeopardy. Feijoo will only support the project if Spain is chosen to host the final instead of Morocco. Spain, Morocco, and Portugal are set to co-host the main tournament, with the first three matches taking place in South America.

The venue for the ultimate showpiece remains undecided, sparking a fierce debate over which nation deserves the honor. The planned 115,000-capacity Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca is a strong contender to stage the final. Madrid’s Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Camp Nou are also pushing to host the prestigious fixture.

Feijoo believes Spain has a superior claim to the match. He noted that Spain and Portugal were the original co-hosts, with Morocco invited to join the bid at a later date. He stated, 'The final should be held where it is fair and appropriate, where it is indisputable, in Spain.' When asked directly if he would withdraw Spain from co-hosting should Morocco secure the final, he replied, 'Yes.'

Feijoo further justified his stance by pointing to Spain's recent footballing success. He argued that the nation is uniquely suitable to host because they currently hold both the men's and women's global titles. He added, 'If Spain does not host the final, it should not participate in the organisation of the tournament.'

The football debate arises during a period of intense political strain between Spain and Morocco. In July, a surge of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish autonomous city of Ceuta, creating a major political storm within Spain. Opposition parties have criticized the current government's border policies.