Uruguay · Montevideo
Estadio Centenario
The ground that staged the first final in history (1930) is due to host the centenary opening match. Its renovation, costed at $120 million to $180 million, is not funded.
Built for the first World Cup, in 1930, the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo is listed by FIFA as a historical monument of world football. It holds 60,235; owned by the Intendencia de Montevideo, it is run by the CAFO (the federation and the city council).
2030
The Centenario is due to host the ceremony and the first of the three centenary matches, on 8 June 2030 (provisional date). Its renovation (63,000 seats) is costed at $120 million according to the government (June 2026) and at up to $180 million according to other estimates. President Yamandú Orsi is looking for private investors; no start date, contractor or closure period has been set. It is the most uncertain venue in the whole tournament.
The AUF and the government were also waiting for FIFA’s decision on a move to 64 teams: with only one match allocated, the investment is considered hard to justify.
Getting there
The stadium stands in the Parque Batlle, about 4 km from the centre of Montevideo, reachable by city bus or taxi. A practical guide is to follow.
Sources
- Infobae — La réforme du Centenario coûtera 120 M$ ; Orsi cherche des investisseurs (2026-06-09)
- Búsqueda — La réforme du Centenario au point mort (2026-01-18)
Last checked : 30 August 2026