Blanco pushes support for Spain to host the 2030 World Cup

Alejandro Blanco, president of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE), explained on Thursday his decision to run in the elections of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and, at the same time, reiterated his conviction that Spain should host the final of the 2030 football World Cup. His announcement combines personal ambition in the Olympic arena with the defence of the Spanish project for the World Cup.

Candidacy for the ANOC Presidency

It was not on my mind to run for the ANOC presidency. Driven by Europe and America, and after a long meeting with the president, he decided to take the step because he believes they have thought of him.

Blanco described his candidacy as driven by Europe and America. He assured that this promotion gives more Olympic committees worldwide the opportunity to recognise the management and experience of Spanish sport.

The ANOC elections will be held on December 8. His rival will be Mustapha Berraf and the vote will take place in Hong Kong. He compared the preparation to a competition and said he will applaud his rival if he receives more votes, emphasising that the Olympic movement is more important than his election.

State of Spanish Sport

Blanco stated that Spanish sport is in good health midway through the Olympic cycle towards Los Angeles 2028. He declared that Spanish sport is a key to success and a great benchmark for Spanish society and world sport.

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He highlighted the qualification of the women's rhythmic gymnastics team. He also noted the emerging talent seen at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, despite the sport changing.

In the future, sport will occupy a much larger space in global society, not only in the Spanish one. He added that this implies seeking opportunities in other countries.

Defence of the 2030 World Cup Final

Blanco considered that it would be an incomplete World Cup if the country leading the bid, Spain, together with Portugal and Morocco, does not host the opening or closing match. He asserted that Spain must fight relentlessly for the final to be held on its soil, citing its leadership of the bid, its world titles in youth categories and its superior football.

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He indicated that securing the final does not depend solely on the federation, whose work Rafael Louzán praises, but also on the government, which cannot give up that final. He expressed that, among a million possibilities, none exclude Spain as the host, and that this must be explained to FIFA.

He acknowledged that the final decision lies with FIFA, but argued that once the World Cup is organised, the host enjoys many advantages. He assured that there is no sign of weakness, no one doubts that the final must be played in Spain, and that FIFA president Infantino knows Spanish football well, without any doubt.