The news was made public by the Lisbon Town Hall, revealing the favourable decision made by the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation.
Lisbon was chosen ahead of a bid launched by the Hague, with the decision made after a recent inspection by European officials of the Portuguese capital to establish the merits of the city’s application.
The Evaluation Commission visited the Portuguese city last weekend and after four intense days decided to award Lisbon with this recognition.
It is the second time the city has presented the candidature after it failed against Alicante in 2004.
Lisbon is now expected to invest in the region of 26 million euros to improve existing sports and leisure infrastructures.