Pinatar Arena will host 143 soccer teams in 2024

• 163 matches
  • 86 national teams
    • 57 professional clubs
      • 36 different countries
        • More than 40,000 overnight stays

Pinatar Arena closes 2024 with its best historical figures, hosting 143 concentrations of teams from 36 countries, which has translated into more than 40,000 overnight stays on the Costa Cálida.

For the second year in a row, the number of national teams (86) exceeded that of professional clubs (57), highlighting the growing international importance of the stadium. This recognition has led Pinatar Arena to be selected as one of the official training centers for the 2030 World Cup.

The year started strongly with the winter season with teams such as 1. Heideheim from the Bundesliga, St. Gallen from Switzerland, Union Saint-Gilloise from Belgium, Sparta Rotterdam from the Netherlands, Kalmar from Sweden, St. Mirren of Scotland and Randers of Denmark. Among the newcomers were the Bayern Munich women’s team and the Ukrainian clubs Kryvbas, Metallist 1925, Polissya and Breidablik.

Summer Preseasons: The summer brought historic English clubs such as Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Millwall, along with Spanish teams Real Oviedo, Real Zaragoza, Getafe and Elche. Local clubs such as FC Cartagena and Real Murcia also made regular appearances.

Federations’ preferred choice: Federations also played an important role, organizing tournaments such as the Pinatar Cup and the MIMA Cup for men’s and women’s teams of different age groups.

Countries such as Germany, Scotland, the Philippines, Portugal, Denmark, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands and England sent a total of 86 national teams. Hong Kong and Turkmenistan debuted, while the English FA and the Dutch KNVB frequently chose the Pinatar Arena for their matches.

163 games in a single year: The 143 teams played 163 games, most on the main field, attracting numerous fans and scouts.

Not all of them were friendly, since in November the Pinatar Arena hosted the first day of U-19 women’s qualification for the next Euro Cup.

Upcoming schedules and new club additions for the winter season will be announced soon, continuing to make Pinatar Arena a key venue for teams and matches.