Spain and France compete to host Nations League finals ahead of 2030 World Cup

Spain and France have submitted bids to host the Nations League finals in June, with the outcome expected to become clearer after Thursday’s quarter-final draw.

The deadline for applications closed on 21 October, and Spanish newspaper Marca says the two countries are the leading candidates to stage the “Final Four”. Spain’s proposal includes Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and Jose Zorrilla in Valladolid, while France has put forward venues in Lyon and Saint-Etienne.

A final decision will not be made until after the quarter-final draw on 20 November. The draw will determine the ties on the route to the semi-finals and identify which two national teams could provide the host nation for the finals.

UEFA prefers the tournament to be held in the country of one of the four semi-finalists. That approach is intended to maximise attendances and create a stronger atmosphere, increasing the competition’s appeal to supporters and the media.

However, UEFA could opt for neutral venues if none of the semi-finalists is able to stage the finals.

Spain and France have an advantage in the contest because they have submitted formal bids and are also among the leading contenders to reach the semi-finals. The draw will be held in Nyon, Switzerland, on Thursday, giving the hosting race a clearer direction.

Portugal hosted the first Nations League finals in 2019, followed by Italy in 2021, the Netherlands in 2023 and Germany in 2025. England is also viewed as a possible host, although it is already due to stage Euro 2028.

For Spain, the bid represents more than the chance to host a major football event. The country is preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco, making the Nations League finals a significant test of its organisational capabilities.

Staging the competition could also strengthen Santiago Bernabeu’s case to host the 2030 World Cup final. The stadium would have the opportunity to demonstrate that it can accommodate a major event requiring extensive operational planning and the infrastructure to manage large crowds.

The venues in Spain and France will remain under consideration while the quarter-final draw shapes the potential line-up for the finals.

Portugal are the current Nations League holders, having won the trophy for a second time in 2025. They beat Spain on penalties in the final after the match finished 2-2 following extra time.

Portugal also won the inaugural edition in 2019. France claimed the title in 2021, before Spain became champions in 2023.