The collaborative efforts of the Ayuntamiento de Málaga, Diputación de Málaga, and Junta de Andalucía are gaining traction as they work toward the remodeling of the Ciudad de Málaga stadium in preparation for the prestigious 2030 FIFA World Cup. This concerted initiative not only reflects a steadfast commitment to securing a key part of the World Cup bid but also addresses logistical needs for the Málaga CF football team.
Following a meeting held on March 21, 2025, between the three governing bodies, local officials are setting things in motion to ensure the Ciudad de Málaga is ready for its new role. Central to this endeavor is a significant budget allocation amounting to 4 million euros, which has been earmarked for the Gerencia Municipal de Urbanismo. This allocation aims to advance the bidding process for the project, construction, and supply necessary for the expansion of the stadium.
Currently, the Ciudad de Málaga stadium holds a capacity of 7,562 spectators. However, with the planned expansion, it will be able to accommodate 26,000 spectators, effectively increasing its capacity by nearly 19,000 seats. This ambitious upgrade is set to be completed by May 2026, just in time for Málaga CF to prepare for the pre-season and utilize the stadium as their home ground.
“The expansion of the Ciudad de Málaga stadium will allow it to hold 26,000 spectators,” an unnamed source indicated, highlighting the necessity for this sizable increase. This increase is not only essential for accommodating larger audiences but is also crucial for meeting FIFA's stringent requirements set for venues hosting World Cup matches.
The discussions leading to this agreement have not been without their challenges. Representatives from the three institutions have navigated obstacles in reaching a consensus while addressing the necessity for renovations to the Ciudad de Málaga, a facility originally designed for athletics. Each entity operates under its own independent oversight, further complicating the negotiation process. Nevertheless, these bureaucratic hurdles have been successfully bypassed, moving the project forward.
A pivotal aspect of this agreement encompasses the cost-sharing arrangement for the stadium's remodeling. As the Ciudad de Málaga is a municipal facility, balancing expenses among three governmental bodies is a complex but critical undertaking. Local officials are eager to finalize this prospective collaboration, marked by a commitment to public accountability and active community engagement.
Esteemed comments from Rafael Louzán, president of the Federación, emphasize the importance of Málaga’s gradual progress toward World Cup readiness: “Málaga goes about its homework progressively.” His insights reflect a broader sentiment of commitment and urgency surrounding the stadium’s transformation.
Technically, work has already commenced with micropiloting—an essential geotechnical technique employed to ensure the structural integrity of the stadium situated in a challenging geological area. These preparatory activities seek to mitigate risks associated with the stability of the site, particularly as work unfolds in a location near the Guadalhorce River mouth, recognized for its less-than-ideal conditions.
For Málaga CF, the implications of this transition extend beyond merely having a temporary stadium. Historically, the team used the Ciudad de Málaga for nearly a decade before the arrangement ended in 2020, a result of financial constraints outlined by then-administrator José María Muñoz, who deemed the annual fee of almost half a million euros unsustainable.
Throughout this renovation period, the club will face a minimum displacement of two seasons but will benefit from the additional capacity and modern amenities that the new stadium configuration affords. As they prepare for a challenging transition, the club is aligned with the urgency of the larger project timeline imposed by FIFA, which mandates all venues be completed by 2029.
The impending shift to the Ciudad de Málaga represents a significant milestone for the Málaga CF. Set against a backdrop of increasing competition among host cities, the preparations reflect both ambition and efficiency in an environment where meticulous planning is essential for success.
Málaga's bid to host part of the upcoming World Cup has risen in profile, with reports indicating that La Rosaleda, the city's historic stadium, previously ranked seventh in selection scores among competing venues in Spain. With its transformation into a suitable facility for international matches, the Ciudad de Málaga has become a central focus of local efforts, driving enthusiasm and support within the community.
As deadlines approach, collaboration among local governments remains crucial. Officials agree on the pressing necessity of adhering to the ambitious timelines, ensuring that renovations not only respect the historical significance of the facilities but elevate Málaga's standing in the global sports arena.
Thus, the Ciudad de Málaga stand poised to transition into a state-of-the-art venue by mid-2026, aligning with both local aspirations and FIFA requirements. In facilitating this transformation, local officials are not only enhancing the sporting landscape but creating a legacy that may echo through future generations of athletes and sports lovers alike.
