The two cities secured the title thanks to their outstanding joint bid. The recognition brings a renewed commitment to sports infrastructure, inclusive programs, and major events that will position the region as a global sports destination.

Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia have officially conquered the title of World Capital of Sport 2028, becoming the first pair of Portuguese cities to receive this distinction from the Association of European Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES Europe). This nomination comes after a joint candidacy from both cities for 2027, which resulted in a defeat by a minimal margin against Buenos Aires' candidacy.

The path to this achievement was peculiar. The two cities initially presented a joint candidacy for World Capital of Sport 2027, but lost the title to Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, due to the "high quality of the work presented" and the minimal difference in the final evaluation, ACES Europe decided to directly award the Portuguese cities the 2028 title. This decision is permitted by ACES regulations, which "allows the designation of the finalist city in the following year if the scoring difference is less than five points". The candidacy was formalized at the end of 2024 under the motto "Challenge The Gap / Beyond the Margins".

The distinction represents the "recognition of the joint effort of both municipalities, the community, clubs, athletes, associations and institutions that, over the years, have contributed to affirming sport as an essential pillar of life in the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia". The municipalities also highlight "the profound sense of responsibility that this nomination entails" for both cities. This is a historic opportunity that marks a new chapter in the history of Portuguese sport.

With this title, both municipalities assume the commitment to, over the coming years, "increasingly encourage and support formal, informal and federated sports practice". The plans include creating new equipment, requalifying existing sports spaces, developing new sports programs and organizing events with the aim of reinforcing the position of both cities as global sports destinations. The joint candidacy is governed by three fundamental vectors: excellence, inclusion and innovation.

For residents of both cities, this distinction promises concrete transformations in the local sports offering. The nomination represents a unique opportunity to expand sports infrastructure and create new programs that benefit the entire population. The title also positions Porto and Gaia as global sports destinations, opening doors for organizing major sporting events and increasing the international visibility of these two cities united by the Douro River.