Six neighbourhood associations in San Sebastian have requested FIFA to withdraw the city as a 2030 men's World Cup venue, fearing it will exacerbate existing challenges like the housing crisis and heightened touristification. The associations argue that the tournament would prioritize commercial interests and lead to significant changes in public spaces, making life unsustainable for locals. As tourism surged by 78% from 2015 to 2024, residents are alarmed by further developments adversely affecting their quality of life. Protests have emerged, reflecting the community's concerns about the impact of such mega-events on their city.
Hosting the Fifa World Cup will only worsen living conditions in our city, further exacerbating the touristification of San Sebastian.
The arrival of the world's largest football tournament would probably exacerbate the situation while benefiting only a privileged few.
Residents are being pushed out of the city, public spaces are being reshaped according to commercial interests, and the local culture is being commodified.
Anger over the issue has led to protests, echoing widespread unrest across Spain last year as tourism reached record levels.
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