The renovated Spotify Camp Nou stadium will be “the best stadium in Europe and one of the best in the world,” according to a review of 2025 and the upcoming challenges for 2026 in the region’s sports sector.
This year saw an “unprecedented boost” for sports, with more than 300 million euros allocated to improve sports infrastructure, a level of investment not seen in years.
More than 800 municipalities participated in an emergency plan focused on enhancing safety standards, improving energy efficiency, and increasing accessibility for people with disabilities.
Looking ahead, the main challenge for 2026 is the launch of a new high-performance sports plan. This plan will adopt a comprehensive approach that considers the physical, psychological, and economic aspects of athletes, as well as supporting them after retirement.
The High Performance Center (CAR) will undergo a major modernization. This will include the use of artificial intelligence, the development of personalized nutrition programs, and the construction of a new hockey stadium. The “ART360” project is expected to position the region at the forefront of sports innovation.
Regarding major events, 2026 will see the start of the Tour de France from Barcelona. Efforts to combat hate speech in stadiums will also continue, alongside the anticipated return of Camp Nou in its new form.
The atmosphere surrounding football in the region was also praised, noting a “new energy” within both Barcelona and Espanyol, reflecting a state of harmony between the teams and their fans.
Spotify Camp Nou stadium
Spotify Camp Nou is the iconic home stadium of FC Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, originally opened in 1957. It is Europe’s largest football stadium by capacity and was renamed in 2022 following a sponsorship agreement, while remaining a central symbol of the club’s history and identity.
Camp Nou
Camp Nou is the iconic football stadium of FC Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, and has been the club’s home since its opening in 1957. With a capacity of over 99,000, it is the largest stadium in Europe and has hosted major events like the 1992 Olympic Games and two UEFA Champions League finals.
Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich and complex history, shaped by ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, the transformative periods of the Renaissance and Enlightenment, and the profound impacts of two world wars. Culturally, it is defined by a diverse tapestry of languages, artistic movements, and architectural heritage, from medieval castles to modern capitals. Its modern identity is largely formed by the political and economic integration of the European Union in the post-World War II era.
High Performance Center (CAR)
The High Performance Center (CAR) is a specialized sports training facility in Bogotá, Colombia, established in 1998. It was created to provide elite Colombian athletes with advanced infrastructure, scientific support, and coaching to prepare for major international competitions like the Olympic Games.
ART360
ART360 is a contemporary art gallery and cultural space located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which opened in 2019. It is dedicated to showcasing modern and experimental works from Central Asian artists, playing a key role in the region’s developing contemporary art scene.
Tour de France
The Tour de France is an annual multi-stage men’s bicycle race primarily held in France, first organized in 1903 by newspaper editor Henri Desgrange to boost sales. It has since grown into the world’s most prestigious and difficult cycling competition, traditionally concluding on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a historic port city in northeastern Spain, renowned for its unique Catalan culture and distinctive architecture, particularly the modernist works of Antoni Gaudí such as the Sagrada Família. Its history stretches from a Roman colony to a major medieval power and a modern hub of art and commerce.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a historic Mediterranean port city and the capital of Catalonia, Spain, with origins as a Roman settlement. It is globally renowned for its unique architecture, particularly the modernist masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí like the Sagrada Família, and its rich cultural heritage showcased in its Gothic Quarter, vibrant festivals, and artistic legacy.
Espanyol
RCD Espanyol is a professional football club based in Barcelona, Spain, founded in 1900 by Spanish students as a distinct alternative to the already-existing FC Barcelona. Historically, it has served as a cultural symbol for Spanish identity within Catalonia, with its original name, “Sociedad Española de Football,” explicitly reflecting this founding purpose. The club has a long history in La Liga and is known for its passionate fanbase and its stadiums, most recently the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà-El Prat.
