Real Madrid is reportedly exploring plans to expand the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu to 85,000 seats in the hope of hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. This follows the stadium’s recent major renovation, which introduced a retractable roof and a multi-purpose pitch.
According to Madrid-based outlet Relevo, club president Florentino Pérez is eager to further increase capacity ahead of the World Cup, which Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will co-host. Real Madrid is said to be evaluating permanent seating solutions rather than temporary expansions to ensure long-term benefits beyond the tournament.
FIFA regulations require a minimum 80,000-seat capacity for the final, but there remains some uncertainty over the Bernabéu’s current limit, with Pérez previously stating it holds “80,000, give or take a thousand.” Despite its stature, the stadium has exceeded 78,000 fans only twice this season, for matches against Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid.
The other leading candidates to host the final are Barcelona’s revamped Spotify Camp Nou, set to hold 105,000, and Morocco’s Grand Stade Hassan II, a new 115,000-seat stadium in Casablanca expected to be the world’s largest upon completion in 2027.
While most World Cup 2030 matches will take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will host special celebratory matches marking 100 years since the first World Cup in 1930.
