FC Barcelona have formally entered the race to host the 2029 UEFA Champions League final, teaming up with the Barcelona City Council and the Government of Catalonia to present a united candidacy centred on the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. The submission was confirmed today, marking a significant milestone in the club’s wider ambition to restore the stadium’s status among Europe’s elite venues.
The announcement, shared by the club’s official X account, comes at a time when Barcelona remain firmly in the spotlight on the pitch as well, following recent domestic momentum reported by SoftFootball, including their continued La Liga push and preparations for upcoming fixtures such as the Copa del Rey clash with Albacete.
The bid is currently in a preliminary evaluation phase, with initial documentation already submitted to UEFA for assessment. Final approval will depend on UEFA’s certification process and confirmation that Spotify Camp Nou meets all hosting requirements.
Barcelona’s strong sporting narrative this season, highlighted by their 3-1 league win over Elche and growing confidence under Hansi Flick, adds context to the club’s broader project, as reflected in SoftFootball’s coverage.
The formal and complete bid dossier is scheduled for submission in early June 2026. This will represent the decisive step in UEFA’s selection process. By that stage, renovation works at Spotify Camp Nou are expected to be well advanced, with full completion targeted for late 2027.
Once finished, the stadium is projected to hold over 104,600 spectators, placing it among the largest and most modern football arenas in Europe. Institutional backing has been a key pillar of the bid.
The City of Barcelona has already signed the Host City Agreement, while the Government of Catalonia has publicly described the proposal as the strongest possible option for 2029.
Mayor Jaume Collboni has also expressed broader ambitions, suggesting the stadium could host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final, which Spain will co-host with Portugal and Morocco.
If successful, the 2029 final would be Barcelona’s third Champions League final, following the 1989 and 1999 editions. Beyond football prestige, hosting the event would further position Barcelona as a global sporting hub while delivering long-term economic and tourism benefits across Catalonia.
