FIFA Delegation Visits Spain, Portugal to Evaluate 2030 World Cup Stadiums A technical delegation from FIFA has begun inspecting potential venues in Spain and Portugal to assess infrastructure and logistical readiness for the 2030 World Cup. The visit, scheduled from March 9 to March 20, focuses on evaluating 10 stadiums across cities including Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Porto, Zaragoza, Las Palmas, Seville, A Coruña, Bilbao, and San Sebastián. The goal is to finalize the list of host cities by December 2026, following further evaluations planned for the autumn. This phase is critical for ensuring the stadiums meet international standards and can accommodate the demands of a global football event. Spain’s bid initially included 11 cities, but Malaga has withdrawn from contention, leaving Vigo and Valencia as potential candidates despite their exclusion from the current inspection tour. The final selection will depend on strict compliance with FIFA’s requirements, and adjustments to the list remain possible as technical consultations continue. In Madrid, the delegation is meeting with Aena, the airport management company, and regional officials to strengthen the city’s bid to host the International Media Centre and the final match. Madrid aims to position itself as a central hub for the tournament, competing with other cities to offer the best logistical and security solutions. The inspection also highlights the competitive nature of the selection process, with cities vying to meet FIFA’s criteria for infrastructure, organization, and sustainability. The 2030 World Cup is expected to be a landmark event, and the evaluation of stadiums is a key step in ensuring its success.#barcelona #spain #portugal #fifa #madrid
