World Cup stadium change could see abandoned 70,000-seater ground given matches
A stadium once billed as the greatest in the world looks set to get a run-out at the World Cup in the not-too-distant future
The World Cup 2030 could see matches staged at a stadium once hailed as the ‘world’s greatest’ following a shake-up of the hosting schedule. This follows the withdrawal of several cities that had been lined up to stage fixtures when Morocco, Spain and Portugal co-host the tournament.
Earlier this month, A Coruna became the latest city to pull out of its commitment after concluding the expense of staging games would not justify the outlay. This followed Malaga’s decision to remove itself from the roster, citing logistical issues surrounding the renovation of La Rosaleda.
The situation has left Spanish football authorities scrambling to bolster the list of host venues after it initially had 11 stadiums across nine cities ready for use. Now, the Nou Mestalla in Valencia could step in as a replacement.
The under-construction 70,000-seater ground has been under construction since 2007, with work grinding to a halt in 2009 amid serious funding concerns. However, the project was given a new lease of life in January 2025 when building work resumed.
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The Nou Mestalla, which is aiming for a 2027 reopening, was put forward by the Spanish football federation as one of its original choices to host World Cup 2030 matches. However, the venue was turned down — along with Balaidos in Vigo — as its inclusion would have breached FIFA regulations stipulating a maximum of 20 host venues at any World Cup.
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It therefore makes perfect sense that the Nou Mestalla would be among the leading candidates to step up and host following the withdrawals. AS reported Valencia is one of the regions that stands to benefit greatly from the investment that accompanies World Cup hosting duties.
Nuria Montes, secretary general of Hosbec, the Valencian hotel and tourism association, said: “Valencia is already one of Europe’s top destinations, so its tourism future doesn’t hinge on this World Cup.
“But it is a chance to reach distant markets – Asia, the Middle East, North America – and could accelerate longdelayed airport expansion plans.”
There are growing fears San Sebastian could join the lengthening list of host city withdrawals. Real Sociedad’s 42,300-seat Anoeta Stadium (or Reale Arena) is currently undergoing renovation work but local residents have written to FIFA requesting removal from the schedule owing to concerns of overtourism.
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Madrid looks set to take centre stage throughout the tournament, with both Real’s Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and Atletico’s Riyad Air Metropolitano ranking amongst the country’s largest venues. Barcelona’s Spotify Camp Nou is the biggest stadium in Spain and will be capable of accommodating a little more than 100,000 supporters once its renovation is complete.
Even so, that pales in comparison to Casablanca’s Hassan II Stadium, which boasts a total capacity of 115,000 supporters. Morocco will make history as the first North African nation to stage a World Cup, while Portugal will also be welcoming the tournament to its shores for the very first time.
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