Susanna Riva In an interview on El Chiringuito , the leader of the Popular Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo , declared that Spain would no longer co-host the 2030 World Cup if the final was awarded to Morocco. The statement, made on November 6, 2026 , came at a time of intense political and sporting tension, ahead of the upcoming elections and the definition of the hosting roles for the centenary tournament.
Feijóo warns: Spain must withdraw if Morocco hosts final
The People's Party leader called Spain's right, considered a "global football power," to host the final match "fair, fitting, and unquestionable." He added: "If they don't host it, Spain shouldn't be participating in the World Cup."
When asked a follow-up question, Feijóo confirmed that, should the decision fall on Morocco, he would push the government to withdraw from co-hosting.
The origins of Morocco's candidacy and its late entry
The initial project for the 2030 World Cup was a binational candidacy between Spain and Portugal, developed from the very early years.
Only after FIFA opened up new options was Morocco included as a third co-host. Despite this late inclusion, the Moroccan government has invested heavily in upgrading its football infrastructure, targeting the Grande Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, with a planned capacity of 115.000 spectators. Spanish football chief Rafael Louzán expressed confidence that the final could still be held in Madrid or Barcelona , despite Morocco's offers.
Political tensions: Ceuta's migrant crisis and public reaction
In recent months, relations between Spain and Morocco have deteriorated over the migrant crisis in Ceuta: at the end of July, around 80.000 people entered the Spanish city, prompting a wave of accusations from Spanish political parties, who blamed Morocco for fueling the situation. A poll commissioned by Sigma Dos for El Mundo found that 84,4% of Spaniards oppose continuing to co-host the World Cup with Morocco. The left-wing Sumar party , a junior partner in the Socialist government, argued that the tournament cannot be shared with a country that exploits "desperate people" for geopolitical gain, while the far-right Vox party supported the same resolution in Parliament, a rare case of political and ideological convergence.
However, Parliament was dissolved following the snap elections called for November 2026, preventing a final vote on the withdrawal proposal. The issue therefore remains open, but Feijóo's statements have already sparked a national debate on sporting sovereignty, national dignity, and political responsibility.