The city of Malaga has officially withdrawn from hosting duties for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly staged by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. The decision was announced on Saturday by Malaga’s mayor, Francisco de la Torre, following consultations with the city council and the Andalusian regional government.
Although Malaga’s La Rosaleda Stadium was among the 11 Spanish venues proposed for the global tournament, officials have now opted out, saying the required upgrades would negatively impact the city’s football club and its supporters.
“Faced with choosing between hosting World Cup games and protecting the interests of our club and fans—we’re choosing the club,” De la Torre stated. “This is a prudent and responsible decision that puts our community first.”
To meet FIFA’s requirements, La Rosaleda would have undergone major reconstruction, forcing Malaga CF to temporarily relocate to a smaller stadium with just 12,500 seats, less than half of their 26,000+ season ticket holders. The overhaul was projected to cost €270 million ($316 million), but the mayor clarified that the pullout wasn’t a financial move.
“We remain committed to building a new stadium,” he added. “It may not be in time for the World Cup, but the project is still on the table for the future of our city and football.”
Once a Champions League contender in 2013, Malaga CF has struggled financially in recent years, slipping as far as Spain’s third division. The latest decision is seen as a step to stabilize the club and prioritize local interests.
Malaga’s exit opens the door for other cities to step in. Valencia and Vigo are reportedly being considered as replacements. Notably, Valencia’s Nou Mestalla stadium—scheduled for completion in 2027 with a 70,000-seat capacity—recently secured funding and could become a strong candidate.
This development comes amid controversy surrounding the selection process for Spain’s host venues. In March, the head of Spain’s World Cup 2030 organizing committee, Maria Tato, resigned following allegations of favoritism in the stadium selection process. Reports claimed that evaluation scores were manipulated to favor certain cities over others.
As the countdown to the 2030 World Cup continues, the final list of host venues remains in flux, with national football authorities under pressure to maintain transparency and fairness in the process.
