The candidacy of Spain, Morocco and Portugal presents an interesting list of 20 stadiums: eleven in Spain, six in Morocco and three in Portugal. This exceeds the minimum requirement of fourteen stadiums to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup and offers great flexibility in choosing a diverse set of iconic venues across the three countries. Of the 20 stadiums, one will be newly built and several will undergo comprehensive renovation.
Spain’s proposal includes eleven diverse stadiums, among which are some of the most emblematic and modern on the planet, such as the Santiago Bernabéuconverted into an avant-garde venue after its recent renovation. In addition to the innovative remodeling that the Camp Nou of Barcelona, a comprehensive renovation of five other stadiums is proposed (A Coruña, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Malaga, Seville and Zaragoza).
Five of the six stadiums proposed by Morocco will host matches of the 2025 African Cup of Nations. All six venues are to be built or remodeled and appear to meet most of the requirements. Morocco’s proposal includes the Hassan II Grand Stadium in Casablanca. This ambitious project is already underway and, once completed, will become the largest football stadium in the world.
The three stadiums proposed in Portugal are proven venues that hosted matches of the Euro 2004. It is important to highlight that both the Sport Lisboa e Benfica Stadium like him Dragao Stadium They were also venues for the final of the Champions League in 2014 and 2020, which is a good example of its capacity to host first-class events.
17 possible host cities
The joint candidacy of Spain, Morocco and Portugal has proposed 17 possible host cities: nine in Spain, six in Morocco and two in Portugal. Due to the proximity of the three countries, travel between the different host cities should not exceed three hours in any case.
The comprehensive mobility plan proposed by the candidates covers all modes of transportation, giving preference to sustainable options, and is well coordinated in the three countries. Since most of the proposed host cities are located on the coast, a sunny climate, with a moderately warm temperature and low humiditycircumstances that are ideal for practicing and watching football.
Stadium scores
Bernabéu, Camp Nou and Casablanca, opening and final venues
The candidacy proposes the emblematic Santiago Bernabéu as a possible venue for the opening match or the final. The original stadium, built in 1947, recently underwent a major renovation that included the installation of a retractable roof and a pitch made up of sections that can be stored underground, allowing the facility to be used for other purposes.
The presented gross capacity of the stadium is at the limit of the requirements to host the opening match and the final, but far exceeds the minimum capacity required to host the first round of the competition. The availability of seats and preferential boxes meets the minimum requirement. Stadium officials committed to remedying any deficiencies in wheelchair spaces, accessible seating and associated toilet facilities before the tournament. WIP and VIP seating availability exceeds the minimum requirement.
The candidacy proposes the Camp Nou as a possible venue for the opening match or the final. The original stadium, built in 1957, is undergoing a deep renovation process that will increase its capacity to 103,447 spectatorswhich far exceeds the minimum of 80,000 seats needed to host the opening match or the final.
He Hassan II Grand Stadium is an ambitious construction project that aims to create the largest capacity football stadium in the world, with modern infrastructure and facilities. It is proposed as a possible venue for the opening match or the final. Construction will begin in 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028. The stadium will serve as a catalyst for the development of a 100-hectare sports complex. The planned capacity of 115,000 spectators will far exceed the minimum of 80,000 seats required to host the opening match or the final. The stadium will be located between Casablanca and Rabatin a recently developed area.
