Anoeta Stadium — World Cup Stadium Guide
San Sebastián, Spain · Capacity 42,300
Overview
Anoeta Stadium — commercially Reale Arena — is Real Sociedad's home in San Sebastián and a World Cup 2030 venue. Redeveloped in the late 2010s to bring stands closer to the pitch, it holds roughly 42,300 fans in one of Europe's most beautiful host cities.
Together with San Mamés in Bilbao, Anoeta gives the Basque Country two World Cup stages in 2030.
Architecture & Design
The Reale Arena redevelopment removed the athletics track and created a football-specific bowl with improved atmosphere.
Modern roof, media and hospitality upgrades meet FIFA tournament needs.
San Sebastián's compact coastal cityscape makes match days highly walkable for fans.
World Cups Hosted
| Year | Matches | Final | Notable moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 0 | No | World Cup 2030 at Anoeta — Real Sociedad's Reale Arena joins the FIFA stage. |
Iconic Matches
- 2020 Real Sociedad European nights (UEFA competitions): Redeveloped Anoeta hosted modern European nights before World Cup selection.
- 2030 TBD vs TBD (World Cup 2030 (planned)): First FIFA World Cup matches in San Sebastián.
Cultural Impact
San Sebastián is a gastronomy and culture capital; World Cup football adds sport to an already global city brand.
Real Sociedad's cantera tradition mirrors Athletic's Basque football identity.
Interesting Facts
- Also known as Reale Arena under naming rights.
- Redeveloped 2017–2019 to remove the running track.
- Home of Real Sociedad.
- Capacity around 42,300.
- Second Basque World Cup 2030 venue with San Mamés.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cup matches were played here?
First FIFA World Cup matches planned for 2030.
Did this stadium host a World Cup final?
Not a final venue.
When was the stadium built?
Opened 1993; major football-specific redevelopment completed around 2019.
Why is this stadium historically important?
Brings World Cup football to San Sebastián and Real Sociedad's modern cathedral.