Málaga refuses to host the 2030 World Cup: 'We choose the club and the fans'

Málaga has officially withdrawn its candidacy to serve as one of the host cities for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, in a decision that prioritizes local values over global prestige.

The tournament, which will be jointly organized by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, had initially included Málaga as a potential venue. However, in a press conference held on Saturday, the city's long-serving mayor, Francisco de la Torre, confirmed that Málaga will not be part of the final list of host cities.

The mayor’s reasoning was rooted not in political maneuvering or financial constraints, but in solidarity with the city’s beloved football club, Málaga CF, and its loyal fanbase. Expansion works proposed for La Rosaleda the historic stadium where the club plays its home matches were estimated to cost around €270 million. More critically, the renovation would have temporarily reduced the stadium's capacity to just 12,500 seats over the coming years, a figure far short of accommodating Málaga CF's current base of over 26,000 season ticket holders.

“When faced with a choice between the World Cup and the club, we choose the club and the fans. We stand with Málaga,” said Francisco de la Torre. His statement was met with widespread praise from local supporters, who feared that the World Cup bid could lead to years of construction and disruption at the expense of the club’s atmosphere and accessibility.

The mayor went further, revealing plans to build a new stadium in a different area of the city. This modern venue, while welcomed as part of Málaga’s future development, will not be tailored to FIFA’s World Cup requirements. “It will not be for the World Cup,” he stressed. “We’re not doing this to save money, but because it’s the best decision for the city, the fans, and the club.”

This approach contrasts with other Spanish cities, many of which are competing fiercely for a place on the 2030 World Cup map. The tournament will be spread across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, and is already being promoted as a celebration of Mediterranean and Iberian culture. Spain is expected to contribute the largest number of host cities, with heavyweights like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville in strong contention.

Portugal has proposed three stadiums as part of its candidacy: Estádio da Luz and Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, and Estádio do Dragão in Porto all modern venues that have already hosted top-level international competitions, including Euro 2004 and UEFA Champions League finals. Morocco, likewise, is preparing to offer several state-of-the-art stadiums, reflecting the country’s recent investment in football infrastructure.

The 2030 edition of the World Cup will also include a unique historical twist. In honor of the tournament’s centenary, the opening matches will be played in South America specifically in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay before the competition shifts to Europe and Africa. This symbolic gesture pays tribute to the first-ever World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930, and aims to unite football fans across continents in celebration of the game’s global roots.

For Málaga, stepping aside from the race to host World Cup matches is not a sign of retreat, but rather a reaffirmation of its footballing identity. While other cities may chase the global spotlight, Málaga is choosing to invest in its community, its club, and a more sustainable long-term vision for football in the region. Local supporters see it as a bold but wise decision that reflects the essence of the sport passion, loyalty, and connection to the fans.

As for the future, the construction of a new stadium offers exciting prospects. With careful planning and a vision focused on both functionality and heritage, Málaga could position itself as a model for balancing football tradition with modernization. And although it won't be a stage for the 2030 World Cup, the city is determined to remain a vibrant part of Spanish football’s future.