Elche’s mayor, Pablo Ruz, has proposed granting the City Council full authority for Elche CF to formally request FIFA, via the Spanish Football Federation, to consider sub-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup in the city. The proposal suggests that the event could include Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as co-hosts. Previously, the Franjiverde club had declined the idea due to capacity limits among other concerns.
The mayor highlighted that FIFA had already shortlisted 15 venues for the final rounds. He stated that the City Council stands ready to back Elche CF in this effort, describing it as a rare opportunity for the city. The Martínez Valero stadium is not among the selected venues, as it requires facilities capable of accommodating more than 40,000 spectators. Elche could serve as a sub-headquarters rather than a full host city, which is an appealing prospect because it would attract the attention of national teams, supporters, and international media, providing a substantial economic and tourism boost for the municipality.
In communication
Ruz mentioned that he has been in contact with Elche CF’s president, who is expected to submit a formal request to make municipal facilities available for the initiative.
Elche and Alicante were not chosen for the World Cup
JA Galvan
We believe Elche possesses the ideal characteristics to become a sub-hub due to its strategic location, excellent rail connections, and one of Spain’s most important international airports, which would be a major asset for the tournament.