Bilbao and Donostia present themselves as their only venues to host the 2030 World Cup
The Basque Government, the deputies of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, the municipalities of Bilbao and San Sebastián, Athletic and Real Sociedad have informed FIFA of their intention to continue the selection process with a proposal consisting of a single Basque headquarters and two stadiums (San Mamés and Anoeta).
The Basque institutions have submitted to FIFA a proposal for a headquarters to host the 2030 World Cup matches. According to the candidacy, Bilbao and San Sebastián will form a single Basque headquarters, and the stadiums of San Mamés and Anoeta will be the stages of the tournament.
The document has been sent by the Basque Government, the Member States of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, the municipalities of Bilbao and San Sebastián, the Athletic Club and the Royal Society, within the deadlines set by FIFA for the selection of headquarters.
As explained by the administrations concerned, the decision has been taken after a thorough analysis of the requirements laid down by the organisation of the World Cup and after giving priority to the general interest and the country's vision.
Red lines to FIFA's demands
The institutions have indicated that they began to study the requirements of FIFA in 2022 and in 2024 submitted a document to the organization containing a number of aspects that they found unacceptable.
These red lines included high economic costs, the need for new investments in stadiums and territories, the need to amend regulations, the lack of a co-official language of the Basque Country in certain organisational areas and the exclusivity of the company responsible for the World Cup.
They also questioned the prohibition of holding other events in residential cities on competitive days and some requirements relating to the accreditation of capacity to host major international events.
A single residence with two stadiums
Following the visit of FIFA representatives to San Mamés and Anoeta in March 2026, the institutions discussed the impact of accepting all the conditions required for two independent residences.
As a result of this process, they have decided to present a joint proposal based on a single budget and a single Basque headquarters, with two stadiums where San Mamés and Anoeta would host the 2030 World Cup group stage matches.
The administrations believe that it is this formula that best protects the interests of the Basque people, and they have transferred this position to FIFA in the documentation sent to them on 31 May.
Waiting for FIFA's response
The institutions have confirmed their interest in participating in the 2030 FIFA World Cup in San Mamés and Anoeta, but acceptance of the proposal will depend on the organization's response.
They also express their commitment to continue to work in a coordinated manner on the preparation of the documentation requested by FIFA and to maintain the discretion established by the negotiating process between the nominations and the organizing entity.
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