WC 2030: FIFA looks to reduce number of venues for 2030 World Cup
source: Mundo Deportivo, Cadena Ser, El Larguero; author: Jakub Ducki
A tournament on two continents may not be without difficult decisions. The number of host stadiums will be reduced from the original 20 to as few as 17 venues, according to Spanish media speculation. According to reports, this reduction could affect both Morocco and Spain.
Advertisement
Blow for Morocco and Spain
For the historic tournament, which will be held on two continents for the first time, 20 stadiums were originally submitted: 11 from Spain, six from Morocco and three from Portugal. Mundo Deportivo suggests that this number is too high, which will result in several venues having to be excluded. SER journalist Anton Meana said that two Spanish host cities are in real danger: one in the south, the other in the north.
According to reports, Stade de Fès in Morocco and two Spanish venues are particularly at risk: Estadio Riazor and La Rosaleda or Estadio Anoeta. The optimum number of venues should close between 17 and 19 arenas.
For Morocco, which had proposed six venues, the potential withdrawal of the Fez stadium could be a severe blow. This stadium was part of the original plan and was expected to play an important role in promoting the country as co-host. On the Spanish side, the exclusion of the Riazor and La Rosaleda or the Reale Arena would mean a re-examination of matchday fixtures.
Valencia and Nou Mestalla problem
One of the most controversial elements of the Spanish bid is Nou Mestalla. Construction of the venue, which began in 2007, was interrupted two years later due to financial problems. It was not until 2025 that work resumed, with completion scheduled for 2028. The president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, strongly supports the inclusion of Valencia in the list of host cities.
The decision to reduce the number of stadiums could cause tensions between the cities, which have already invested heavily in preparing their infrastructure. Unlike its co-hosts, Portugal seems unaffected by the decision. The country has notified three venues: Estádio da Luz and Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon and Estádio do Dragão in Porto. All these stadiums already meet international standards and are not on the endangered list.
© yallavamos2030 | The stadium in Fès might be excluded from the World Cup, which would leave Morocco hosting matches on just five stadiums.
Sustainability criteria
FIFA is considering the decision to downsize stadiums to reduce the cost of hosting the tournament and the negative impact on the environment. The 2026 World Cup, to be held in North America, will have 16 stadiums - the most since the 2002 tournament. However, rising costs and logistical issues have prompted FIFA to reduce the number of venues in the 2030 edition. FIFA‘s final decision on the stadiums is expected in the coming months.
Advertisement