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Basque Country Proposes Joint Host City for World Cup

Bilbao and San Sebastián are presented as a single host with two stadiums to accommodate four group stage matches.

Aerial view of two modern football stadiums, San Mamés and Anoeta, located in distinct Euskadi urban landscapes, one coastal and one inland, under a clear blue sky.
IA

Aerial view of two modern football stadiums, San Mamés and Anoeta, located in distinct Euskadi urban landscapes, one coastal and one inland, under a clear blue sky.

The Basque Government, the provincial councils of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, and the city councils of Bilbao and San Sebastián, along with Athletic Club and Real Sociedad, have formalized a joint bid proposal for the 2030 Football World Cup.

The institutions have officially informed FIFA of Euskadi's interest in hosting the tournament, proposing the San Mamés and Anoeta stadiums to host two group stage matches each.
As reported by the City Council of Bilbao, the documentation was submitted within FIFA's deadlines, following various technical and economic studies. The administrations have emphasized that the proposal prioritizes the general interest and the country's perspective.
The document sent to FIFA reflects the stance maintained by the Basque institutions since 2022, when they began analyzing the international body's requirements. Two years later, they formally communicated conditions they deemed "unacceptable" due to their high economic cost and potential impact on citizens.
Among the "red lines" were investments considered "excessive," regulatory changes, new infrastructure modifications, the lack of recognition for Euskadi's co-official languages, limitations on other activities during the World Cup, and exclusivity clauses demanded by the organization.
The bid gained momentum after FIFA representatives visited the San Mamés and Anoeta stadiums in March. "Following that visit, without any of the issues raised by the Basque institutions two years prior even being considered, a deep analysis began into what accepting all the requests to host two venues for the 2030 World Cup would entail," they explained.
In light of this situation, the administrations and entities have opted to present an alternative proposal based on a single budget that includes only the commitments they deem feasible. The plan considers Bilbao and San Sebastián as a single host with two stadiums, where four group stage matches of the 2030 World Cup would be played.
The institutions argue that this formula would allow for the compatibility of Euskadi's presence at the World Cup with the protection of citizens' interests. The proposal was submitted to FIFA on May 31st and now awaits the organizer's response.
Finally, the institutions have reiterated their commitment to continue working in a coordinated manner and within the parameters of general interest and country perspective, "in the serious and rigorous preparation of the documentation required by FIFA, while also respecting the discretion that governs negotiations between the bid and the organization."

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