Six international football teams could train in Murcia for 2030 World Cup

Fresh off the heels of the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in which the Spanish national team was crowned champion, the Region of Murcia is now beginning its countdown to the 2030 World Cup, as it could become one of the most significant sports tourism opportunities for the area. Regional centres and local sports complexes are preparing to potentially host up to six international teams, positioning the Region of Murcia as a primary hub for the massive global tournament.

Expanding facilities for a bigger tournament

The 2030 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, will expand to feature 64 participating nations. Four major venues from the Region of Murcia are being prepared to be included in FIFA’s official catalogue of possible team bases.

Some of the Murcian sites that are being eyed for the next World Cup include the established Pinatar Arena in San Pedro del Pinatar, the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Resort in Cartagena, the DoubleTree by Hilton La Torre Golf and Spa Resort in Torre Pacheco, and the newly developing Alhama Arena Football Centre in Alhama de Murcia. A fifth nearby complex, La Finca Resort in neighbouring Algorfa, is also integrated into the network via Pinatar Arena.

Major infrastructure investments already underway

Local governments are already making investments into the infrastructure of these facilities in order to transform them ahead of the next World Cup. At Pinatar Arena, for example, temporary stands have been replaced with permanent concrete seating, high-efficiency LED floodlights have been installed, and upgrades to changing rooms and fitness centres are already underway. 

Additionally, construction at the Alhama Arena development is progressing. Its initial phase introduces two full-sized pitches and a 96-room five-star hotel, while the second phase will add four additional pitches and a second hotel offering 150 rooms.

National football associations are expected to begin inspecting potential training bases next year, with all candidate facilities targeted for operational readiness by 2028, before team choices are finalised.

A proven track record for hosting top teams

The Region of Murcia has long been a top choice for international football. Over the years, national teams from Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Congo, and Cape Verde have all trained in the shining region. Additionally, world-class club teams, including the women’s squads of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United, often choose Murcia for pre-season and winter training camps.

With this exciting new development and football fever for the next World Cup already building up, the Region of Murcia is jumping at this prime opportunity to boost its global tourism profile, attract sports investors, and continue to establish itself as one of Spain’s premier football training destinations.