Japan to expand Tokyo National Stadium to 80,000?

Wednesday 10th July 2024

Authorities in Japan are considering expanding the capacity of Tokyo National Stadium to 80,000 in order to bid for the 2038 World Cup.

The stadium was opened for the Olympics in 2020 and had always planned to remove the running track, however 4 years later and the athletics equipment still remains at the stadium.

The ground is due to be sold off to a private company next year, who have vowed to remove the running track and install extra pitch side seats. FIFA rules dictate that any stadium hosting the opening match and final of a World Cup must have a minimum capacity of 80,000.

Japan has set itself the target of hosting a World Cup on its own before 2050.