39,500‑seat Spanish stadium presses on with expansion plans despite unresolved 2030 World Cup bid

Real Sociedad's stadium redevelopment is continuing at pace despite uncertainty over whether San Sebastian will ultimately host matches at the 2030 World Cup.

Work at Estadio de Anoeta is focused on increasing capacity beyond FIFA's minimum requirement while also modernising key areas of the stadium.

Real Sociedad stadium pushes ahead with redevelopment plans

Expansion plans at ‘Reale Arena', as it is known for sponsorship reasons, continue to progress despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the venue's role at the 2030 World Cup.

Construction began in May and is aimed at increasing the stadium's capacity from 39,500 to 42,427, ensuring it comfortably exceeds FIFA's 40,000-seat minimum requirement for World Cup venues.

The main phase of the project involves adding a new upper tier to both side stands, creating extra seating while also reconfiguring media facilities.

New press areas will be positioned more centrally within the expanded third level, while VIP spaces are also being upgraded as part of the redevelopment.

Elsewhere, prefabricated sections have already been installed in the upper corners of the stadium, with the existing giant video screens set to be repositioned.

Additional seating is also being created in previously unused areas of the upper sections behind both goals.

Demolition work is continuing on parts of the existing upper and lower stands, while improvements around the stadium include the extensive redevelopment of the nearby Anoeta railway station, featuring a new concourse and upgraded platforms.

The project is expected to cost around €10 million (£8.5 million) and be completed by late August or early September. To accommodate the work, Real Sociedad successfully requested that their opening three LaLiga fixtures of the new season be played away from home.

Although uncertainty remains over San Sebastian's involvement in the 2030 World Cup, with proposals ranging from hosting independently to sharing a joint venue allocation with Bilbao, the stadium works are continuing regardless.

FGG says: These improvements make sense beyond just the World Cup

While the 2030 World Cup has undoubtedly accelerated these plans, the redevelopment is a sensible investment regardless of whether FIFA ultimately selects the stadium.

Increasing capacity, improving hospitality and modernising media facilities will benefit Real Sociedad long after the tournament has been decided.

The ongoing uncertainty over Spain's final list of host venues means nothing is guaranteed, but the Reale Arena is ensuring it will be ready if the opportunity comes.

Even if it misses out, supporters will still inherit a larger, more modern stadium that is better equipped for European football and future growth.