The clarification follows a growing dispute between Morocco and Spain over which country should host the showpiece match of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay also staging anniversary matches.
Morocco has been campaigning for the final to be played at the proposed 115,000-capacity Grand Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane, near Casablanca, while Spain has pushed for Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu to host the tournament’s climax.
The controversy intensified after Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, said during a political rally in Rabat that the final had been secured for Benslimane.
“The city of Benslimane will host the World Cup final. Hate it or love it, and if anyone wants to talk on top of that, let them talk,” Lekjaa was quoted as saying.
He added that the Hassan II Stadium would host the final and expressed hope that Morocco would play in the venue.
Lekjaa’s comments prompted reactions in Spain, with several football figures backing the Santiago Bernabéu.
Former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho also publicly endorsed the Bernabéu, describing it as a fitting venue for the final because of its history and significance to the game.
Responding to the reports, a FIFA spokesperson said the selection process was still ongoing and that no agreement had been formally reached.
“As communicated on 5 August 2026, a decision will be made by FIFA in due course,” the spokesperson said.
The governing body’s statement effectively dismissed claims that the final venue had already been decided, with the formal selection and ratification process still to be completed.
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