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.
You might like
A 36-year-old Basque mountaineer was seriously injured in Asturias when a rock fell as he climbed
Apparently, the stone has fallen about 300 metres above where the woman was, who has suffered severe head trauma and has been transferred to the Asturias General University Hospital (HUCA).
Hundreds of people received the Freedom Flotilla ship in the Basque Country
He plans to stay in the Basque Country until Tuesday, the 8th, when he will leave for Vigo and then continue to other areas of the Mediterranean. During the ship's stay in Bilbao, various events have been organised, including conferences, performances, a Palestinian fair and a press conference with activists from the flotilla.
A 25-year-old woman has been arrested in Elciego on charges of running over her partner
He has been charged with attempted murder in the area of domestic violence. The incident took place around 7.30 a.m. on Saturday morning. The detainee has been transferred to police stations and, once the proceedings have been completed, will be brought before the court.
A 20-year-old boy died on Lekeitio's Geese Day after falling off a fence; the celebration was suspended
The young man, who was in the harbor following the test of geese, has fallen from a height of about two metres. Thousands of people have gathered in Lekeitio today and the event was developing normally until the accident.
Nearly 4,000 people have gathered at the Sagardo Eguna in Donostia
They have the opportunity to taste cider from 32 cider shops in Gipuzkoa. They have threatened the day with music from trikitilaris and bertsolaris. One of the most emotional moments has been the act of tribute to Jabier Ansorena and Marian Matas.
September 5th has been declared Local Democratic Memory Day in Irun
The Irun City Council has declared 5 September as Local Democratic Memory Day, with the support of all the political groups of the City Council, which today commemorated all the Iranians who suffered a military coup, war and dictatorship.
The Ertzaintza arrested a man in Urduliz accused of throwing bottles at three people
The attack took place at around 6.20 p.m. near the metro station, where a group of some 200 people had gathered in the vicinity, and the detainee had previously been arrested for similar events.
Three people have been arrested in Gernika on charges of forcing a 14-year-old pregnant girl to marry
An investigation is also under way into a 17-year-old, the alleged father of the child, who has not been located.
Tests on the Mole's underground passage trains begin next week
The infrastructure will be available by Christmas, according to the forecasts of the Basque Government.
The alleged perpetrator of Barakaldo's murder is still at the police station awaiting testimony before the judge
The Ertzaintza continues to investigate, and early hypotheses suggest that "sentimental" may be the cause of the incident.