FIFA Confirms 2030 World Cup to Span Three Continents and Six Countries
In an unprecedented move, FIFA has announced that the 2030 FIFA World Cup will be played across six countries on three continents. The tournament will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the opening three matches taking place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to mark the centenary of the first FIFA World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930.
At a virtual Extraordinary FIFA Congress held in Zurich, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the decisions were made by consensus, a rare feat in today’s polarized world. Infantino described the arrangement as a “game-changer,” highlighting the unity and historical significance behind the decision.
Hosting Structure for the 2030 World Cup:
- Opening Matches (Centenary Celebration): Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay
- Main Tournament: Spain, Portugal, and Morocco
The first match will be played at Uruguay’s historic Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, where the inaugural World Cup final took place in 1930. Infantino described this as an “incredible celebration of football,” reflecting the tournament’s rich history and global appeal.
Saudi Arabia Confirmed for 2034
In the same announcement, FIFA confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, further expanding football’s global footprint. Infantino described the decision as an opportunity for the Middle East to showcase its culture, nature, and hospitality, while serving as a catalyst for social development.
FIFA’s Hosting Vision: 2026 to 2034
- 2026: North America (Canada, Mexico, and the USA)
- 2030: South America (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay), Africa (Morocco), and Europe (Spain, Portugal)
- 2034: Asia (Saudi Arabia)
A Historic Message of Unity
Infantino lauded the global football community’s ability to agree on such transformative decisions. “In a world where it seems that nobody can agree on anything, we have managed to agree on something as big as the host of the FIFA World Cup,” he said, framing the decision as a testament to football’s power to unite.
The 2030 World Cup’s multi-continent hosting model reinforces FIFA’s commitment to celebrating the tournament’s history while pushing the boundaries of global collaboration and inclusivity. The announcement also underscores football’s capacity to foster unity and social change in a divided world.
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