Spanish City, La Coruña, Withdraws from Hosting 2030 World Cup Matches

The Spanish city of La Coruña has announced that it will no longer pursue hosting matches at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, opting instead to focus on a long-term redevelopment of its main sports infrastructure.

Mayor Inés Rey confirmed the decision during a press conference attended by Deportivo La Coruña president Juan Carlos Escotet and Valentin González Formoso, head of the provincial council.

“We wanted La Coruña to be a host city for the World Cup, but not at any cost,” Rey said. “The circumstances we faced recently required a calm evaluation of what is truly best for the city. This decision does not close a door; it opens a new stage.”

Rather than concentrating resources on staging matches during the tournament, city authorities and football officials have agreed to undertake a major renovation of the city’s sporting facilities. Central to the project is a full modernisation of the historic Riazor Stadium, home ground of Deportivo La Coruña, along with upgrades to the surrounding sports complex.

Rey explained that the decision followed a careful assessment of the long-term benefits for the city. While hosting World Cup matches would have brought global attention, she said the city needed a project that would serve residents well beyond the short duration of the tournament.

“The World Cup would have been important for a few days,” the mayor said. “But the project we are launching today is designed to serve the city for decades.”

Formoso described the redevelopment initiative as a joint commitment among local institutions to improve infrastructure that the city has needed for years.

“Our commitment to this project is absolute,” he said. “La Coruña deserves clear investment in its sports facilities, and we hope this effort will also be reflected in sporting success.”

Escotet also welcomed the agreement, saying the plan represents a positive step for both the club and the city.

“We aim to create a space that generates value every day of the year,” he said. “This project goes beyond sport. It is about responsible and sustainable development for the city.”

With the withdrawal, La Coruña becomes the second Spanish city to step aside from hosting matches at the 2030 tournament, following the earlier decision by Málaga to drop out of the hosting race. The World Cup will be jointly organised by Spain, Morocco, and Portugal.

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