Morocco loses 2030 FIFA world cup final bid after AFCON 2025 final controversy

Morocco has reportedly been ruled out of hosting the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup following incidents that overshadowed the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Sport360NG reports.

The 2030 tournament will be jointly staged by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with the North African nation previously considered a strong candidate to host the final. However, that prospect now appears to have been abandoned in the wake of events surrounding the AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal.

Reports suggest that scenes during and after the continental showpiece raised concerns among global football authorities, leading to a reassessment of Morocco’s suitability to stage the World Cup’s most high-profile match.

Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán has since confirmed that Spain will host the final, pointing to reputational issues and organisational considerations.

“The final will be played here. Spain has demonstrated its organisational capacity,” Louzán said.
“We witnessed scenes during the African Cup final that damaged the image of world football.”

Morocco will remain a co-host of the expanded 2030 World Cup, but the decision is a notable setback for the country, which had hoped to cap its historic hosting role by staging the final itself.