2030 FIFA World Cup Scheduled for Joint Hosting by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Three South American Nations

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In an unprecedented move, the 2030 World Cup is slated to take place across three continents—Europe, Africa, and a surprising addition of South America. The development came to light as FIFA reached a consensus on Wednesday to entertain only one hosting candidate, which now involves six countries.

Initially a Spain-Portugal venture, the bid expanded this year to include Morocco, as well as Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, long-standing rivals in World Cup hosting bids. FIFA confirmed that all six nations would receive automatic qualifications for the 48-team competition.

One of the primary attractions of this unparalleled multi-continental endeavor is the opportunity to kick off the tournament in Montevideo, Uruguay. This location holds historical significance as the Centenario Stadium in the Uruguayan capital was the venue for the first-ever World Cup final in 1930.

Alejandro Dominguez, President of CONMEBOL, the South American soccer body, remarked, “The centennial World Cup could not be far removed from South America, where it all began. The 2030 event will span three continents.”

This cross-continental agreement also allowed FIFA to expedite the bidding process for the 2034 World Cup, restricting it to member federations from Asia and Oceania. Saudi Arabia and Australia have shown keen interest in hosting the 2034 tournament, which is anticipated to be held in November and December.

The accelerated decision-making process for the 2034 hosting is perceived as a triumph for Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has established a strong rapport with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

While FIFA’s Council has approved the singular 2030 hosting candidacy, a formal ratification is pending next year from the organization’s 211 member federations. However, this is expected to be merely a procedural step. “In 2030, the World Cup will create a unique global footprint, uniting six countries across three continents—Africa, Europe, and South America—in a celebration of football, its centenary, and the FIFA World Cup,” stated Infantino.

Scheduled for June-July 2030, the 48-team, 104-match tournament will commence with matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, before shifting focus to the primary host countries—Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

However, the sprawling geography and logistics of the plan have been met with criticism from Football Supporters Europe, an official fan group recognized by UEFA. The group released a statement condemning FIFA’s decision, citing its environmental impact and the strains it places on fans.

The multi-national hosting concept for South America has been in the works since the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Chile, initially a part of the South American consortium, was notably absent in Wednesday’s announcements. Ukraine, which was previously included in the European bid, was also conspicuously absent from official communications this year regarding the UEFA-supported proposal.

This marks a significant triumph for Morocco, which has been heavily investing in its infrastructure and was recently chosen as the host for the 2025 African Cup of Nations. The Moroccan men’s national team further strengthened its bid by making it to the semifinals in the World Cup in Qatar, eliminating Spain and Portugal in earlier rounds.

King Mohammed VI’s Royal Cabinet of Morocco acknowledged the decision, stating that it “confirms Morocco’s esteemed position among leading nations.”

Contributions to this report were made by Mauricio Savarese in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Sam Metz in Rabat, Morocco.

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