2030 World Cup: Portugal’s well-planned approach to the World Cup
source: StadiumDB.com; author: Paulina Skóra
On December 11, FIFA officially announced the decision on the host cities for the 2030 World Cup. Portugal will be a co-host of this prestigious event, and preparations to modernize its stadiums have already begun.
Advertisement
The only such stadiums in the country
The stadiums of Benfica and Sporting, both located in Lisbon, and the stadium in Porto, were built from scratch for Euro 2004. These venues form the Portuguese part of the bid for hosting the 2030 World Cup.
Estádio da Luz, the largest stadium in Portugal with nearly 65,000 seats, and Estádio do Dragão and Estádio José Alvalade, both with capacities near 50,000, are the only venues in the country that meet FIFA’s requirements for hosting matches of the 24th edition of the world’s most important football tournament.
© Armin Rodler (cc: by-nc) | Estádio Sport Lisboa e Benfica (Estádio da Luz)
Working since 2020, but much remains to be done
The first of three technical inspections took place at Sporting’s champion stadium. In September, the board of Frederico Varandas confirmed plans to announce a competition for the redevelopment of the stadium, included in the strategic plan for 2024-2034. Changes to the stands, which will be implemented before the next season starts, including the removal of two large screens at the ends of the stadium, will add 2,000 new seats. Another innovation to improve the fan experience will be exclusive lounge
areas for guests, a VIP corridor
with a view of the players' entrance, seats near the substitutes' bench, and new screens.
The unprecedented transformation of Estádio José Alvalade has been taking place in stages since 2020 and has already led to numerous changes, including the removal of tiled facades, the addition of more entrances, the replacement of turnstiles, a full replacement of seats with green ones, and the installation of LED lighting. According to the latest financial report from Sporting SAD, an investment of €7.4 million had been made by June 30. In addition, in October, the club members approved the repurchase of Alvaláxia, a shopping center adjacent to the stadium, for €17 million. A new Sporting museum will be built within this complex.
© A Travelling Jack | Estádio do Dragão
Estádio da Luz – the semifinal stadium?
FIFA also visited Estádio da Luz, which will be expanded by more than 5,000 seats, bringing the total capacity to 70,000. This plan was revealed on November 30 by Benfica's president, Rui Costa, though without specific details on the costs and timeline of the renovation. High attendance at matches has supported the expansion of the stadium, which this year already added almost 1,000 seats, including areas for disabled fans.
Implemented improvements also include new screens and an advanced lighting system, with further works planned for the coming years. In April, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Fernando Gomes, announced that one of the World Cup semifinals in 2030 would be held at Estádio da Luz.
© Grzegorz Kaliciak | Estádio José Alvalade
Spanish support for the renovation of the Dragon Stadium
Regarding Estádio do Dragão, after acquiring a 30% stake in Porto Stadco SA, the Spanish company Ithaka Infra III will take over the commercial management of the stadium for 25 years. The funds from this agreement will be used for the modernization of the venue. Initially, under previous arrangements, the value of the deal was €65 million, but it has been renegotiated. In October, FC Porto received €50 million from this deal, but the final amount could reach as much as €100 million.
Advertisement