REAL MADRID are looking to further expand the Bernabeu in order to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup final.
Madrid only returned to the Bernabeu pitch last month – after spending £1.5billion on renovating their iconic stadium.
Real Madrid are eyeing further changes to the Bernabeu[/caption]
Madrid only returned to the Bernabeu pitch last month after a long redevelopment project[/caption]
The European giants spent a fortune on giving the Bernabeu a face-lift, with work beginning in 2019 and ending in late 2024.
The changes have included a retractable roof, a 360-degree LED scoreboard and a new metal facade with 7,500 stainless steel slats.
However, the Los Blancos decided against any huge stand expansions before the recent five-year project was done.
But, Fifa’s December announcement of Spain co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco, has thrown a spanner in the works.
Madrid are now planning a stunning stadium expansion in order to host the final.
The Bernabeu’s capacity is set to increase from around 79,000 to 85,000 seats, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
Fifa rules state that the World Cup final stadium must have a capacity of at least 80,000.
The club is said to prefer a permanent solution over temporary seating so it can reap the long-term benefits after the World Cup.
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There is some uncertainty over the exact capacity of the Bernabeu following the redevelopment project.
So far this season, Madrid’s attendance has only surpassed 78,000 on two occasions, against rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona’s revamped Spotify Camp Nou is another top contender to host the World Cup final.
The Nou Camp is in the midst of a major revamp, with its capacity to stand at 105,000 once the project is completed.
Barca are hoping to return home before the end of the season, but it would be operating at a reduced capacity while work continues.
Meanwhile, the Grand Stade Hassan II, a huge new stadium set to open in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, is also a candidate.
The African arena is set to have a capacity of 115,000, which would make it the largest football stadium in the world once completed.
It’s the first time that three countries across two continents will officially stage the tournament.
