2030 FIFA World Cup to be held in 6 countries across 3 continents

FIFA and world football officials agreed Wednesday to accept a single candidacy from Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay for a tournament to be held on three continents and in six countries. Among the most important concerns was how to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup in Uruguay, where the initial tournament final was staged in 1930, reports Football Scores Today. 

Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay are vying to host the opening matches of the 2030 World Cup, with a specific goal of playing in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital and site of the 1930 Cup final.

“The centennial World Cup could not be held somewhere other than South America, where it all began,” said Alejandro Dominguez, president of the South American soccer governing organisation CONMEBOL. “The World Cup in 2030 will be held on three continents.”

FIFA will provide automatic entry to all six of those countries’ national teams, and Morocco will be the first North African country to host the event. The 2030 decision has accelerated the search for a venue for the 2034 World Cup, which will likely be hosted in Asia or Oceania in November and December. Saudi Arabia is now the leading contender for the 2034 edition. The 2030 FIFA accord must still be formalised in 2024 at a gathering of the 211 member federations.