The International Football Association (FIFA) announced today, Wednesday, that the 2030 World Cup will be held in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, while the first three matches will take place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to celebrate the centenary of the tournament.
The World Cup was held for the first time in 1930 in Uruguay, where the hosts won the title by defeating Argentina in the final. Spain's selection to host the World Cup came weeks after Luis Rubiales, the head of the local federation, was forced to leave his position amid allegations of sexually assaulting a player by kissing her on the lips during the medal presentation ceremony after Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup.
This will be the first edition of the World Cup hosted across three continents and six countries, meaning matches in the group stage will take place in different climatic conditions. FIFA stated, "The FIFA Council unanimously approved the sole bid that includes Morocco, Portugal, and Spain to host the tournament in 2030, and all three automatically qualify for the finals as hosts."
FIFA continued, "Furthermore, taking into account the historical context of the very first World Cup, the FIFA Council also unanimously agreed to hold a special celebration in Montevideo for this edition, with the first three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay."
The 2022 World Cup was held in Qatar, where Argentina claimed the title, with Morocco achieving a historic semi-final run, a first for Africa and the Arab world. The Argentine federation stated that the national team "will play the first group stage match in 2030 at home in front of its fans."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, "In a divided world, FIFA and football unite." He added, "The FIFA Council unanimously agreed to celebrate the centenary of the World Cup, as the first edition was held in Uruguay in 1930, in the most fitting way."
Infantino confirmed that the first of the three matches will be held at the iconic Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, which hosted the first match in 1930. The president of the Paraguayan Football Federation, Robert Harrison, noted that the three South American countries will qualify directly for the World Cup, but he did not clarify how that would affect qualifiers in the continent.
**Joy for Morocco and Return for Spain**
Neither Morocco nor Portugal have previously hosted the World Cup, while Spain hosted the tournament in 1982. Morocco becomes the second Arab nation to host the finals after Qatar in 2022 and the second African country after South Africa in 2010.
This decision follows Morocco's recent announcement to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 after its competitors withdrew, and comes a month after a devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of nearly three thousand people. Moroccan King Mohammed VI welcomed FIFA's decision, stating, "His Majesty King Mohammed VI... joyfully announces to the Moroccan people the news of the unanimous approval by the FIFA Council of the Morocco-Spain-Portugal bid as the sole candidate to organize the 2030 World Cup."
He added, "This decision represents an appreciation and recognition of the special place Morocco holds among great nations." Morocco, which has seen large crowds at local matches, is already expanding two major stadiums in Rabat and Tangier.
Pedro Rocha, the head of the committee managing the Spanish federation, expressed excitement about bringing the World Cup back after winning the title in 2010. He stated, "I am confident that together with Morocco and Portugal, we will organize the best World Cup in history."
Portuguese Football Federation President Fernando Gomes commented, "Each of the three countries will bring vibrant traditions, unparalleled organizational experiences, and innovative capabilities that will undoubtedly leave a mark on the future of the tournament."
Portugal hosted the Euro 2004 and will finally host the World Cup after their joint bid with Spain failed for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. FIFA also stated that the 2034 World Cup will be held in Asia or Oceania, inviting members from these regions to submit hosting bids. Saudi Arabia announced its intention to bid for the 2034 edition. The next edition will take place in 2026 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
