The exact capacity of the Santiago Bernabeu after the redevelopment is unknown, but one thing is certain: it’s not enough. As reported by Relevo, Los Blancos deem it necessary to increase the capacity of the stadium, especially as they could lose the 2030 World Cup final due to the shortage of seats.

Bernabéu lacks a few thousand seats

78,297 in the FIFA report, 81,044 according to the redevelopment project and 80,000 with 1,000 less or 1,000 more as indicated by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. The exact capacity of the new Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is unknown. However, the club knows the exact number of seats in the stands and knows that it is not enough.

Once completed, Camp Nou - the first of Bernabéu’s rivals to host the 2030 World Cup final - will have 105,000 seats. The other contender, Morocco's Grand Stade Hassan II, will become the largest football stadium in the world, surpassing North Korea's Rungrado May Day Stadium, as it will be able to host 115,000 fans on the stands.

In terms of capacity, Bernabéu performs poorly against such competition, especially given that FIFA requirements for the final set the minimum capacity at 80,000 seats, hence Real Madrid's decision to increase their number. Last week we covered the plans to add two rows of seats as part of wider changes in the stadium, that include even... the demolition of part of the stands. According to Relevo, the goal is to hit up to 85,000 seats, and the club is still looking for the best way to make it happen.