Victor Serrano, spokesman for Zaragoza’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup, said the city estimated an economic return of more than 350 million euros if chosen as a host venue, an amount that would come from spending by visitors, delegations and tournament staff in key sectors such as hospitality, trade and services. Following this information, Serrano also highlighted the importance of the works of the new stadium, which will strictly adhere to the set deadlines and will provide a multifunctional infrastructure dedicated to high-level sports competitions, cultural activities and large concerts. As the Zaragoza City Council reported in an official memorandum, the Aragon capital thus seeks to consolidate a legacy for future generations, integrating infrastructure into a broad urban development strategy and international outlook.
According to the information published by the Council, these statements came after a virtual meeting with representatives of FIFA and other cities nominated to host the 2030 World Cup. During the remote meeting, which also included delegations from the capitals and previously allocated stadiums in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, the initial schedule for technical inspections was presented and the direct communication mechanisms between the international organization and the applicant municipalities were once again emphasized. The Zaragoza City Council explained that the session represented the official launch of the joint project, laying the foundations for future relations and supervision between FIFA and cities aspiring to organize matches in the global competition.
According to the official spokesman, one of the main issues discussed was determining the first program of inspection visits carried out by FIFA technical teams. Local media reported that these inspections will take place during the first quarter of 2026, and their purpose will be to assess the extent of compliance with the requirements required to host an event the size of the World Cup. Likewise, Serrano explained that during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, the administrative process for the stadiums for the 2030 edition will see a pause, after which preparations for the final stage of Zaragoza’s bid will be intensified.
The city council noted that the remote meeting also aimed to update the specific technical and logistical requirements for each candidate city. The criteria reviewed include the conditions and capabilities of sports infrastructure, accommodation and transportation offers, and security strategies to develop the competition, according to what was reported by media outlets based on statements by local authorities. Serrano stated that Zaragoza, as the fourth most populous city in Spain, has an adequate organizational level and resources to respond to the expectations of FIFA and the organizing countries.
The official spokesman confirmed to the official media that the construction of the new stadium will include the integration of advanced and multi-use facilities, characteristics that will place Zaragoza among the European cities most prepared to host major events. This venue, with a capacity of more than 43,000 spectators, is expected to serve not only as a football stadium, but also as a space capable of hosting cultural performances and concerts of international reference, with which the city will enhance its infrastructure offer for mega-activities. According to the city council, this plan responds to the desire to generate a legacy that contributes to urban development and the well-being of citizens.
The representative of the Council explained that Zaragoza’s candidacy contemplates urban improvements linked to the stadium and mobility, in addition to modifications in public services and the accommodation network, taking into account the expected increase in the number of visitors during the tournament. These investments and adaptations, as described by the official spokesman in statements reported by local media, seek to ensure that the Aragonese capital adapts to the flows of tourists, delegations and journalists that accompany this type of sporting event with a global impact.
During the session held with FIFA, municipal officials also pointed out the importance of institutional cooperation between the three countries hosting the tournament. According to what the Council published, the virtual tour allowed for the exchange of previous experiences between cities that hosted large events and the identification of common challenges for the nominations evaluation stage. The Zaragoza City Council stressed that this type of meeting is key to coordinating proposals, exchanging standards and ensuring that all technical, logistical and security requirements for the tournament are duly covered.
Local media reported on Serrano’s positive assessment of the direct dialogue with FIFA and the rest of the nominated cities, a dynamic that will contribute, according to the official spokesperson for the municipality, to strengthening Zaragoza’s position as a national and international reference in organizing major events. The Council itself continues to make investments in infrastructure and equipment, an effort that, as explained by Serrano and endorsed by the press release, focuses on meeting all the demands put forward by FIFA for the nomination and celebration.
In the assessments issued after the meeting, the spokesman reiterated that Zaragoza’s goal is focused on establishing itself as a benchmark beyond sport, taking advantage of the occasion to strengthen its position in the tourism, cultural and commercial fields. According to official information, the event is seen as an opportunity to demonstrate the city’s organizational and logistical capacity to the international community, as well as leave an imprint on urban and economic development beyond the World Cup event.