Barcelona's Nou Camp Secures 2029 Champions League Final Over Wembley

Uefa confirmed on Tuesday that the revamped Nou Camp in Barcelona will host the 2029 Champions League final instead of London's Wembley Stadium. This decision gives Barcelona a significant event ahead of Spain co-hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco.

The World Cup final venue is still undecided, with options including Real Madrid's upgraded Santiago Bernabéu and a new 115,000-seat stadium in Casablanca.

Bayern Munich to Host 2028 Final

Uefa’s executive committee also announced that Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena will stage the 2028 Champions League final. It was the only applicant and will host the final just three years after holding the 2025 edition.

Nou Camp's Ongoing Renovations

The Nou Camp is currently undergoing delayed reconstruction, with its top tier and roof still incomplete. Barcelona last hosted the Champions League final in 1999, a memorable match where Manchester United scored twice during stoppage time to defeat Bayern Munich.

Wembley's History and Recent Miss

Wembley Stadium has hosted the Champions League final eight times since the European Cup began 71 years ago, including events in 2011, 2013, and 2024. This season's final will be held at Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano stadium. The announcement about Wembley missing out on 2029 comes the same day London learned it lost the bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

London Loses 2029 World Athletics Championships Bid

London was competing against Nairobi, Munich, and Rome for the athletics championships, with Nairobi winning to become the first African city to hold the event. World Athletics president Seb Coe praised the high level of interest and quality bids, calling Nairobi's proposal both compelling and emotional.

"Taking our championships to Africa for the first time will be historic. Nairobi has presented a compelling and an emotional bid," said Coe. "This is a fast-growing, dynamic, modern metropolis that serves as the economic, cultural, and political hub of East Africa."

Kenya's deep connection to athletics was highlighted by Coe, mentioning world gold medalists like Faith Kipyegon, Vivian Cheruiyot, Eliud Kipchoge, Hellen Obiri, David Rudisha, two-time Olympic champion Kip Keino, and other notable athletes. He stated the decision was made because Nairobi had the right host, bid, and circumstances to bring the championships to Africa, promising a lasting legacy for the continent.