Spain weighs Nations League hosting bid as 2030 World Cup preparations gather pace

Spain and France are competing to stage the UEFA Nations League finals in June, with the outcome set to influence preparations for the 2030 World Cup.

The deadline for submitting bids passed on 21 October, and Spain and France are regarded as the leading candidates, according to Marca.

The Spanish Football Federation has proposed the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and Jose Zorrilla in Valladolid as its venues. The French Football Federation is competing with stadiums in Lyon and Saint-Etienne.

A final decision will not be made until after the quarter-final draw on 20 November. That draw will determine the pairings in the last eight, establish the route to the semi-finals and identify the two teams from which the host nation is expected to be selected.

UEFA prefers the finals to be held in the country of one of the four semi-finalists. The governing body believes that approach would help maximise attendances and create a stronger atmosphere, while also giving the tournament greater public and media momentum.

However, UEFA could use a neutral venue if none of the semi-finalists is able to host the competition.

Spain and France have an advantage in the race because they have submitted formal bids and are also among the leading contenders to reach the semi-finals. Spain’s proposal carries an additional significance because the country will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco.

Hosting the Nations League finals would provide Spain with an important test of its organisational capacity before the World Cup. It could also strengthen the Santiago Bernabeu’s prospects of staging the 2030 World Cup final by demonstrating that the venue can accommodate major events requiring extensive logistical and spectator arrangements.

The contest will therefore be shaped by the Santiago Bernabeu and Jose Zorrilla on one side, and the venues in Lyon and Saint-Etienne on the other. The quarter-final draw in Nyon, Switzerland, scheduled for Thursday, is expected to offer a clearer picture of both the route to the finals and the hosting race.

Portugal hosted the first Nations League finals in 2019, before Italy staged the event in 2021, the Netherlands in 2023 and Germany in 2025. England is also considered a possible host, despite being linked with the 2028 UEFA European Championship.

Portugal are the current Nations League holders after winning the competition for a second time in 2025. They beat Spain on penalties in the final after the match ended 2-2 following extra time.

Portugal also won the inaugural edition in 2019, while France lifted the trophy in 2021 and Spain were champions in 2023.