6 Countries Across Three Continents Will Host FIFA World Cup in 2030
- Verdict
Zurich – The 2030 World Cup will be held in six countries on three continents as part of the 100th anniversary of men’s soccer’s marquee competition, the sport’s global governing body said in an announcement on Wednesday.
Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host the bulk of the 48-team, 104-match tournament, and Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will stage one match apiece in celebration of the first World Cup, in 1930, which was played in Uruguay, FIFA said.
“In a divided world, FIFA and football are uniting,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
Presiden FIFA, Gianni Infantino
- FIFA
FIFA had not been expected to choose the host until next summer. The plan still requires final approval from the FIFA Council, but that is seen as a formality.
With the continental federations agreeing to the arrangement, FIFA will avoid a drawn-out campaign between strong European and South American bids.
At first, Spain and Portugal forged a pact before inviting Morocco: Ukraine was a possible partner as well. Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile were formulating a joint bid.
The first multination World Cup was held in 2002, hosted by Japan and South Korea. With the tournament swelling to 48 teams in 2026, though, the need for multiple hosts has grown. The United States, Mexico and Canada will stage the competition in three years.
The 2030 tournament will kick off at Estádio Centenário in Montevideo, Uruguay, site of the 1930 final.
FIFA didn't announce the cities for the matches in Argentina and Paraguay, but Buenos Aires and Asunción are the presumed choices.
