In Poland, Spain’s women’s Under-20 world title produced more than a trophy ceremony. Rafael Louzán, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, spent the final alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at Miejski Stadium, an image carrying significance for Spain’s role in the 2030 World Cup shared with Portugal and Morocco.
Spain prevailed in a final that stretched to nearly 140 minutes, taking in the 90 minutes of regulation time, extra time and a penalty shoot-out. Infantino subsequently presented the world champions’ trophy to the Spanish side after another landmark result for the country’s international game.
Louzán and Infantino were seated together throughout the contest, with their cordial relationship seen as encouraging for Spain as preparations gradually turn towards 2030. The tournament will be the first World Cup staged by Spain while it is the reigning world champion.
A 2030 question of venues
The next stage of planning will bring FIFA delegations to Spain, Portugal and Morocco to assess the proposed host cities. Infantino himself could also make a visit during the process.
Spain is seeking to retain 11 venues despite Málaga and A Coruña withdrawing from the plan. Valencia and Vigo are intended to take their places. Morocco has put forward six venues, while Portugal has three.
The eventual distribution of matches, including the location of the final, remains one of the central questions for the three-country tournament. The meeting in Poland offered Spain’s federation a conspicuous moment of contact with FIFA’s senior leadership as those decisions approach.
FIFA election in Rabat
Infantino’s own future will also come into focus in the coming months. FIFA is scheduled to hold its presidential election in Rabat on 18 March next year, and prospective candidates have until 18 November to submit their nominations.
The incumbent is expected to stand again, although it remains to be seen whether an opposing candidate will enter the race. His continued leadership would provide further continuity for the 2030 hosts.
The presentation in Poland was the second major award involving Spain and Infantino in little more than two months. On 19 July in Los Angeles, Infantino handed a trophy to United States president Donald Trump, who then presented it to Rodrigo Hernández.
