Joan Laporta backs Camp Nou to host the 2030 World Cup final: ‘The ideal stage’

Joan Laporta has made it clear that Barcelona want the Spotify Camp Nou to host the 2030 World Cup final.

The Barcelona president discussed the issue during his inauguration ceremony at the Auditori 1899.

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The charismatic president has taken over what will be his third term in office as president of the Catalan club, and it looks like he has lofty ambitions.

Asked about the possible venue for the 2030 final, Laporta said (h/t Mundo Deportivo):

“As far as capacity and facilities are concerned, I think it would be the ideal stage for this final. It also keeps the attention of many people. We saw that this summer in the United States during the World Cup.”

The ideal setting for the World Cup final? (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The 2030 final has not yet been awarded by FIFA, but Barça clearly want the renovated Camp Nou to be at the centre of the conversation.

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Barça want a global stage

The 2030 World Cup will be unique, with Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay hosting opening matches as part of the centenary celebration, while Morocco, Portugal and Spain will stage most of the tournament.

The main candidates for the final are expected to be the Spotify Camp Nou, the Santiago Bernabeu and Morocco’s Hassan II Stadium, which is still under construction.

For Barcelona, hosting the final would mean much more than one match. It would be a global statement after years of construction, financial pressure and temporary relocation.

Laporta’s board took the risk of starting the Camp Nou renovation. If the stadium ends up hosting the biggest match in football, it would become one of the symbolic victories of his mandate.

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A battle with Real Madrid too

As much as one would not want it, there is the undeniable Clasico angle too. The Bernabeu will push hard, and Real Madrid will naturally believe their stadium deserves the final.

Camp Nou renovation is still going on. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

That said, Barcelona have every right to make their case. A fully renovated Camp Nou, with its scale, history and modern facilities, would be a spectacular venue for the biggest game in the sport.

The club have waited years to see their home transformed into a modern arena capable of matching the biggest stadiums in the world.

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The World Cup will provide them with the opportunity to showcase it. Laporta knows the decision is not in Barcelona’s hands.

However, if there is one thing one can be sure of with the Barça president, it is that he would not give up without a fight, and it remains to be seen whether the Camp Nou gets the nod as the host of the 2030 World Cup final.

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