San Mamés under FIFA examination

FIFA inspectors visited San Mamés to assess Bilbao's candidacy as a joint 2030 World Cup host with San Sebastián, evaluating stadium facilities and infrastructure.

A 18-person FIFA delegation visited Bilbao on Wednesday to inspect San Mamés stadium and evaluate the Basque Country's bid to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside San Sebastián. The inspection examined stadium facilities, security, accommodation, transport, medical services, training grounds and evacuation procedures.

The Basque proposal differs from the initial plan: instead of hosting eight matches (four per city), Bilbao and San Sebastián would now share four matches total. Athletic Club director Jon Berasategui received the FIFA representatives at the stadium, one of the region's main assets. The World Cup hosting requires approximately €70 million in fees, with costs split among five institutions (Basque Government, provincial councils and city halls, excluding Álava province).

The FIFA inspection tour runs through November and December across Spain, Morocco and Portugal. San Mamés has recently hosted the 2024 Women's Champions League final and the 2025 Europa League final, demonstrating its world-class facilities.