Spain hosting major football and rugby tournaments

Spain is preparing for significant international sporting events. The Vigo City Council has proposed a 107.5 million euro investment plan to upgrade the Balaídos stadium for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. This plan suggests a cost-sharing model between the City Council, the Xunta de Galicia, and the Provincial Council, while seeking additional co-financing from the Spanish central government. The proposal has met political opposition from the BNG party, which has called for an independent audit and questioned the prioritization of stadium spending over housing and employment.

In a separate bid, the Spanish Rugby Federation (RFER) has announced its candidacy to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup. The proposal intends to utilize major football venues, such as the Santiago Bernabéu, Spotify Camp Nou, and Metropolitano Stadium, leveraging infrastructure developed for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. RFER Executive President Juan Carlos Martín Hansen noted the tournament could be a “turning point in the global growth of the sport” for Spain. The bid faces competition from Japan and a South American bid led by Argentina.