Morocco, Spain, and Portugal have been chosen to host the 2030 World Cup, with the opening three matches being played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The decision to award Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay the opening games is to commemorate the tournament’s 100th anniversary. All six countries will automatically qualify for the tournament, and it will be the first World Cup to be held across three continents.
Uruguay, the host nation for the inaugural World Cup in 1930, will host the opening game at Estadio Centenario, the stadium that was purpose-built for the 1930 tournament. The opening ceremony will take place in Morocco, Portugal, or Spain.
For Morocco, this will be their first time hosting the World Cup, despite five unsuccessful bids in the past. It will also mark the first time World Cup matches are held in North Africa. Portugal will also host for the first time, after launching unsuccessful bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
The decision to split the tournament between six countries has faced criticism, with some calling it a romantic idea that ultimately created a nonviable bid. Infrastructure concerns in Uruguay led to the decision to split the games, as it was impossible for Uruguay to host the expanded 48-team field.
FIFA, UEFA, and CONMEBOL will now have to address the travel concerns of a transatlantic World Cup. Having already faced backlash for the expansion to a 48-team tournament, hosting the World Cup on two continents is seen by some as a bridge too far.
In related news, Saudi Arabia has confirmed its intention to bid to host the 2034 men’s World Cup, aiming to deliver a world-class tournament and drawing inspiration from the country’s passion for football.