In a joint effort to foster learning and international positioning, UD Las Palmas accompanied San Antonio FC in key meetings with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga. The goal was to promote San Antonio as a destination for hosting national teams during the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
During the visit, UD Las Palmas also announced its decision to hold its pre-season training in San Antonio in July 2025. This strategic move was well received by the RFEF, which views San Antonio positively, especially since it is not one of the official World Cup host cities. This presents an opportunity to establish a "home" for the Spanish national team or other international teams during the tournament.
A Historical and Cultural Bond: San Antonio and the Canary Islands
San Antonio has deep Canary Island roots, having been founded by 56 islanders. This strengthens the sense of community and closeness UD Las Palmas feels in this destination. With a population of 1.7 million and 40 million annual tourists, San Antonio combines modernity, hospitality, and excellent sports infrastructure, making it a strategic hub for high-level football.
Strategic Meetings with LaLiga and the RFEF
The delegation was first welcomed by LaLiga representatives, including Xavier Pujol, Business Strategy Manager; Milos Nenadovic, Head of Infrastructure Operations; and Jesús Pizarro, Head of International Expansion.
Subsequently, the team met with the RFEF, led by its president, Rafael Louzán, and the task force responsible for planning national team visits to potential destinations for the 2026 World Cup. These meetings evaluated San Antonio's capabilities as a sub-host city and explored opportunities for international collaboration between clubs and federations.
This initiative aims not only to position San Antonio as a top-tier destination for the 2026 World Cup but also to allow UD Las Palmas and Spain to learn from this organizational model in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, where Spain will serve as one of the main host nations.
San Antonio FC and UD Las Palmas are thus strengthening their strategic alliance, demonstrating how football can act as a bridge between cultures, achieving shared goals that extend far beyond the pitch.
