The 2030 World Cup will be played in six countries on three continents. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host the majority of the games, with three games also being played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. The world association FIFA decided this on Wednesday (October 4th, 2023).
The opening game is scheduled to take place in Uruguay, with two further games in Argentina and Paraguay. With this, FIFA also wants to honor the tournament’s anniversary accordingly. The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930. “In a divided world, FIFA and football unite“said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The 100th anniversary of the World Cup should be celebrated in the most appropriate way.”The first of these three games will of course be played at the stadium where it all began, the mythical Estádio Centenário in Montevideo“said Infantino.
Surprisingly early announcement
The three South American countries originally wanted to hold the tournament in its entirety, but FIFA rejected this. After the three games, the tournament continues with 48 nations in Morocco, Spain and Portugal. All six teams are automatically qualified for the final round. An anniversary celebration will also take place in Montevideo, the capital of the first World Cup host Uruguay.
| Year | host | continent |
|---|---|---|
1930 | Uruguay | South America |
1934 | Italy | Europe |
1938 | France | Europe |
1950 | Brazil | South America |
1954 | Switzerland | Europe |
1958 | Sweden | Europe |
1962 | Chile | South America |
1966 | England | Europe |
1970 | Mexico | South America |
1974 | Germany | Europe |
1978 | Argentina | South America |
1982 | Spain | Europe |
1986 | Mexico | Central America |
1990 | Italy | Europe |
1994 | USA | North America |
1998 | France | Europe |
2002 | Japan/South Korea | Asia |
2006 | Germany | Europe |
2010 | South Africa | Africa |
2014 | Brazil | South America |
2018 | Russia | Europe |
2022 | Qatar | Asia |
FIFA’s announcement came as a surprise. The tournament was actually not supposed to be awarded until 2024 at the 74th FIFA Congress. Morocco, which is also hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, will become only the second African country after South Africa to host the World Cup; games will be held in North Africa for the first time. The tournament will also be a premiere for Portugal and Paraguay in seven years. Uruguay hosted the first edition in 1930, Argentina hosted the World Cup in 1978 and Spain hosted the World Cup in 1982.
Big promises from the organizers
“We are ready to organize the best World Cup in history” is the headline of a message that was published on Wednesday, among other things, on the portal of the Spanish Football Association RFEF. FIFA’s decision shows trust “in the work performed as well as in the capacity and professionalism“The Three Countries”proven when planning events of this magnitude” would have.
RFEF interim president Pedro Rocha, who recently replaced Luis Rubiales, who resigned in the wake of the assault following the Women’s World Cup final, said they were “enthusiastic“That after almost 50 years a World Cup will be brought to Spain again.”I am sure that together with Morocco and Portugal we will organize the best World Cup in history“, he emphasized.
In the RFEF’s statement, the Moroccan association boss Fouzi Lekjaa speaks of a “important moment in the history of Morocco“We want to work together with Spain and Portugal.”Write history“and the level of organization of the World Cup”take it to a new level“.
2026 in the USA, 2034 in Asia and/or Oceania
The 2026 World Cup will be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada. According to a FIFA announcement, only representatives from Asia and Oceania should apply for the 2034 World Cup. Saudi Arabia, which withdrew its bid for the 2030 tournament, is very interested in hosting.