Spain’s 2030 World Cup stadiums at risk

by Else BeekmanElse Beekman
Published: Updated:
World Cup stadium

Antón Meana, one of Spain’s top sports journalists, recently shared his thoughts on CadenaSER about Spain’s stadiums for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will host.

According to Meana, FIFA believes Spain has too many stadiums for an event of this scale. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) received approval a few weeks ago, but now it faces an unexpected challenge. The RFEF fears that at least one of its stadiums may be excluded from the 2030 World Cup. However, Meana predicts that Spain could lose two stadiums.

Four cities in danger

Spain considers seven of its eleven stadiums non-negotiable: San Mamés (Bilbao), Camp Nou (Barcelona), Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid), Metropolitano (Madrid), La Cartuja (Sevilla), RCDE (Cornella), and Gran Canaria (Las Palmas). Valencia’s Mestalla will likely join this list.

This leaves four cities under threat: Malaga, San Sebastián, A Coruña, and Zaragoza. It’s expected that at least one, possibly two, of these cities will lose their spot in the tournament.

“Not everyone fits at the table”

Meana sympathises with the four cities in question, explaining that FIFA must reduce the number of venues. As he put it: “This is not Disneyland,” and “there isn’t a seat for everyone.” The RFEF now waits anxiously for FIFA’s decision.

The football federation will soon learn whether it will lose one or two stadiums. Once that’s clear, the RFEF must decide which city will be excluded, adding another responsibility to its growing to-do list.

Which stadium will host the final?

Meanwhile, Camp Nou in Barcelona and Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid are the top contenders to host the final. Camp Nou is undergoing renovation and will become Europe’s largest stadium with 105,000 seats. The renovation should finish in May 2026.

The football federation will have to wait to be informed whether it will lose either one or two stadium slots. Once that is clarified, a decision will have to be made on which one or potentially two of the four cities will lose their place, adding to the RFEF’s already extensive list of duties that need being taken care of.

What are the requirements for a World Cup stadium?

The requirements for a stadium to host World Cup matches are as follows: bid proposals must include at least 14 stadiums, with seven being existing ones. An existing stadium is one that is already built or requires renovation while maintaining its base. Regarding seating capacity, all seats must be reserved for spectators. A minimum of 40,000 seats is required for group stage matches, round of 16, quarter-finals, and third-place play-off; 60,000 for semi-finals; and 80,000 for the opening match and final.

All stadium seating must be covered, and retractable roofs must be operable during half-time. The pitch must measure 105 by 68 metres, with the overall field dimensions at least 125 by 85 metres. The playing surface must be natural grass, equipped with heating, drainage, and ventilation systems. VIP seating is also specified: 300 seats for the opening match and final, 200 for the semi-finals, 100 for the quarter-finals, and 75 for other matches.

Spain faces an exciting period ahead as it awaits confirmation on which stadiums will be part of the World Cup and which one will host the final.

You may also like