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Vigo Unveils 2026 Carnival Meco Framing World Cup Host Bid as Political Fight

Mayor Abel Caballero used the reveal to accuse regional leaders of blocking Balaídos funding.

Overview

  • The satirical figure features a Balaídos model with Abel Caballero portrayed as backing Vigo’s 2030 World Cup bid and Alfonso Rueda and RFEF president Rafael Louzán depicted as opposing it.
  • The Meco was installed in Porta do Sol on February 13 and is set to be judged on February 17 at 20:45, with local media suggesting two characters may be burned and one pardoned.
  • During the ceremony, Caballero alleged that the Xunta and the Pontevedra provincial council refuse to pay for stadium works needed for the bid.
  • City officials announced a separate deal the same day extending the Zona Franca concession for the Río stand parcel by 49 years to enable Balaídos expansion.
  • The entronization included batucada, charanga, traditional music, cabezudos and merdeiros with a modest crowd, and the París de Noia orchestra performance was postponed to next Friday due to heavy-rain risk.