River Plate’s Monumental stadium is on track to host one of the 2030 World Cup’s Centenary Celebration Matches. FIFA, the world football governing body, published its analysis of the bids for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups on Friday and concluded that, while the stadium needs some work to host the game, it “appears to meet the majority of requirements.”
The iconic stadium, the largest in Argentina by capacity, recently hosted the 2024 Copa Libertadores final, and it’s the runaway candidate to host Argentina’s Centenary Celebration Match. The games, set to take place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, are a centenary celebration of the first World Cup in history, held in Uruguay in 1930.
FIFA highlighted that the Monumental is“currently undergoing works to further modernize the stadium infrastructure and installations.” According to its report, the hybrid reinforcement, vacuum, and ventilation system installed on the natural grass pitch has made the playing surface “state-of-the-art.”
But it’s not all good news.
FIFA noted that River’s main stand is in the east, with only 12,000 seats in the stadium enjoying roof coverage. Thus, they require further study of “the impact of the sun position and inclement weather on the media and VIP tribunes.” The analysis also notes that “some spaces, such as the broadcast compound and hospitality villages, currently fall short of the requirements.”
The federation insists it can cooperate with the club to ensure appropriate developments. “The refurbished stadium will provide an upgraded home for Club Atlético River Plate,” stated FIFA, ensuring “no legacy issues.”
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