Laporta Backs Renovated Camp Nou for 2030 World Cup Final

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has launched the club’s case for the renovated Spotify Camp Nou to stage the 2030 World Cup final, pointing to its planned 105,000-capacity as Spain and Morocco continue to press rival claims for the tournament’s showpiece match.

What changed for the club

Laporta confirmed that Barcelona intend to put forward the Camp Nou as a final venue once work on the stadium redevelopment is complete. He believes the proposed capacity gives the ground a strong argument in FIFA’s eventual selection process.

“The World Cup final should not be in Casablanca or Madrid; it should be at the Spotify Camp Nou,” Laporta said on Wednesday. He cited the prospect of 105,000 spectators and added that Barcelona would formally make its case to FIFA.

Laporta said a final at Camp Nou would provide the international recognition the club want from the rebuilt stadium. He also noted that Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu hosted the 1982 World Cup final, when Italy beat West Germany.

• Barcelona plan to submit Camp Nou’s candidacy to FIFA.
• The redevelopment is expected to take the stadium’s capacity to 105,000.
• Laporta believes the size of the venue should weigh heavily in the final decision.

Competition context

The 2030 World Cup will be primarily shared by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, but the location of the final has not yet been settled. Spain stated in January that it expected to host the match, while Morocco made its own claim earlier this month.

Laporta argued that the final should take place in Spain, while stressing his respect for Morocco. He also referenced Spain’s status as world champions in making the case for the host nation to stage the closing fixture.

FIFA has not named a final venue and has said the decision will be taken in due course. Casablanca, Madrid and Barcelona are among the cities now publicly linked with the game.

The centenary edition will also include three opening commemorative matches in South America. Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will each host one match in recognition of the first World Cup, played in Montevideo in 1930.

What is scheduled next

Barcelona’s next step is to present its proposal to FIFA, with Laporta saying the club will set out the Camp Nou’s capacity and further reasons in support of the bid.

No timetable has been announced for FIFA’s final-venue decision. Until then, the contest over the 2030 final remains open between the principal co-hosts, with Barcelona seeking to place its rebuilt home ahead of Madrid and Morocco’s proposed options.