The Gran Canaria Stadium was the setting this Wednesday for the constitution of the Gran Canaria Host Committee for the “FIFA World Cup 2030”. This body will bring together the institutions involved in the island's preparation for the tournament, which will also be held in Portugal and Morocco. The event was attended by the Mayoress of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Carolina Darias; the President of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales; and the Cabildo's Sports Councilor, Aridany Romero, along with representatives from the involved entities.
The committee comprises representatives from the Island Government, the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Government Delegation in the Canary Islands, and the Interinsular Football Federation of Las Palmas. Seven working groups have been formed to address key areas such as the Stadium, Mobility, Urban Infrastructure, Sustainability, Security, Technology, Training Centers, Tourism, and the Pitch. The committee will establish priorities, coordinate institutional participation, and monitor commitments.
The renovation of the Gran Canaria Stadium, owned by the Cabildo, is the central piece of the preparation. The works, awarded to the UTE OHLA-Sando for 192.9 million euros, have an execution period of 30 months and aim to be completed one year before the tournament. The intervention includes a new roof, increasing the capacity to 44,020 spectators, renovation of facilities, improved accessibility, and enhanced security to meet the requirements of UEFA, the RFEF, and FIFA.
Mayoress Carolina Darias described the day as "important," highlighting the "clear commitment from all of society" and the city and island's "capacity to organize the World Cup." She mentioned the upcoming visit by the FIFA delegation on November 26th, which will coincide with the evaluation of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's bid for European Capital of Culture in 2031.
The President of the Cabildo, Antonio Morales, stated that the stadium construction is the "most important milestone" and that the island is "booming, in full cultural and sporting development, but also in economic dynamism and social cohesion." He also noted the coincidence of the FIFA visit with the evaluation of the bid for European Capital of Culture.
Aridany Romero, Sports Councilor, pointed out that the inclusion of representatives from OHLA-Sando in the working groups ensures direct coordination between the construction work and FIFA's technical requirements. The committee will hold ordinary sessions at least every three months, and the working groups will meet with a minimum bimonthly frequency.
