The Royal Spanish Football Federation has submitted an official proposal to UEFA to host the upcoming UEFA Nations League Final Four across Madrid and Valladolid, targeting the Santiago Bernabéu and Estadio José Zorrilla as host venues for next June’s decisive fixtures.
A Domestic Bid for the Nations League Crown
Spain is setting the early framework to bring the international tournament back to home soil next summer. Following the national team’s recent victory against England, Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzán confirmed that official documentation has already been filed with European football’s governing body to position Spain as host for the competition’s final phase.
Under the submitted blueprint, the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid would stage one of the semifinals—specifically featuring the Spanish national team should they qualify—alongside the championship match on June 13. Meanwhile, Estadio José Zorrilla in Valladolid, situated 194 kilometers northwest of the capital, is slated to host the second semifinal matchup on June 9.
Meeting UEFA Venue Mandates
UEFA regulations for the four-team mini-tournament require host associations to present two distinct venues situated in different cities within a relatively close geographic proximity, while possessing contrasting spectator capacities to accommodate varying crowd demands. The modernized Santiago Bernabéu easily satisfies the requirement for a premier, high-capacity elite arena. In contrast, Real Valladolid’s home ground provides a more intimate setting with a capacity of approximately 27,000 spectators.
According to federation leadership, the joint venue project moves forward with the full cooperation of both Real Madrid and Real Valladolid. The RFEF chose to accelerate the formal application process rather than wait for the conclusion of the preliminary rounds, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and logistical frameworks are fully prepared if Luis de la Fuente’s squad secures qualification.
Tournament Timeline and Selection Process
While candidate associations submit their bids well in advance, European football authorities do not make a final venue selection until the four participating semifinalists are officially determined on the pitch. The scheduled dates for the tournament remain fixed, with the single-leg semifinal fixtures slated for June 9 before the continental trophy is contested in Madrid four days later on June 13.
The national team aims to capture another major international trophy following prior successes under the current sporting cycle. Federation officials maintain that a nation of Spain’s footballing stature should actively pursue the opportunity to contest a continental final in front of home supporters in a major stadium.
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