Donostia is currently engaged in a detailed analysis to assess the «positive consequences» that hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup could bring to the city's daily life. Mayor Jon Insausti indicated that the City Council «must undertake this exercise» to determine the «legacy» that this event would leave if celebrated at Anoeta stadium.
Anoeta was one of the venues chosen by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to host matches for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. However, the final decision rests with FIFA. Since the federation's designation in 2024, several cities, including Málaga and A Coruña, have withdrawn their bids, while others like Vigo and Valencia continue to lobby for inclusion in the definitive list.
“"Our management capacity is proven; we are solvent in that regard. The other part is to analyze what positive consequences this (being a World Cup host) leaves for grassroots sports and then for the city's daily life. When a city commits to attracting events, it does so to see what legacy it leaves. A World Cup, a Tour, rugby, concerts... in this case with the World Cup, we must do the same exercise, and we are doing it."
A FIFA delegation visited Anoeta and the city last March to conduct a new environmental assessment for their subsequent decisions. Anoeta plans to expand its capacity to 43,000 seats, a requirement from FIFA for hosting the World Cup. The city has highlighted its extensive experience in hosting major events, such as the Tour de France, Top14 rugby matches, the women's Champions League final, and concert tours by major artists.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Vigo, Abel Caballero, stated last week at an event similar to the one attended by Insausti, that Balaídos would be a World Cup venue «one hundred percent.» However, he clarified that he had no confirmation from the Federation but was aware that proposals from Vigo and Valencia had been submitted.
