Real Madrid have long harboured the dream of hosting the final of the 2030 World Cup at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 2030 edition of the tournament is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will stage the opening matches to commemorate the centenary of the first World Cup.
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There have been quite a few contenders for the marquee final.
In Spain, Barcelona have wanted the renovated Spotify Camp Nou to be the venue for the final, while Morocco have been pushing for the newly built Hassan II Stadium.
Bernabeu remains Spain’s choice
Now, according to journalist Anton Meana on Defensa Central, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu remains the leading candidate to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final.
Venue for the next World Cup final? (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
The report claims the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) considers the Santiago Bernabeu its official proposal for the World Cup final.
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Although Morocco are also pushing to host the tournament’s biggest match, Madrid’s renovated stadium continues to be viewed as Spain’s strongest candidate thanks to its world-class facilities and global profile.
One issue still to resolve
Despite the Bernabeu’s strong position, one concern remains.
According to Meana, there are doubts over whether a large fan zone can be created around the stadium because of ongoing complaints from local residents regarding noise levels.
Even so, it is encouraging news that the Bernabeu is considered the federation’s choice to host the tournament’s final.
One of the best stadiums in the world. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
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Camp Nou gets more matches
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Spotify Camp Nou is expected to stage the highest number of matches during the tournament.
Its larger capacity is expected to make it one of the tournament’s busiest venues, particularly if FIFA proceeds with plans to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 participating nations.
As was the case at the 2026 World Cup, where MetLife Stadium hosted the final but AT&T Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted more matches overall, the same model could be adopted in 2030.
It has barely been a couple of weeks since the 2026 final concluded, and work has already begun for the 2030 edition.
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As of now, no final decision has been made, but it is always positive to remain in the driver’s seat.
Hosting the World Cup final at the Santiago Bernabeu would be a prestigious occasion for Real Madrid, and it remains to be seen whether they get the nod.
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