On Wednesday, the global soccer governing body revealed that the 2030 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. What makes this World Cup unique is that it will span three different continents. The opening matches are scheduled to take place in South America, specifically in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Additionally, all six nations hosting the tournament will have automatic qualification for their national teams.
This decision to kick off the 2030 tournament in Uruguay holds special significance as it marks the 100th anniversary of the World Cup. Uruguay hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1930, and it was in this small Latin American nation that they emerged victorious by defeating Argentina in the final match.
“In 2030, the FIFA World Cup will bring together three continents and six nations, extending a global invitation to all to partake in the celebration of the beautiful game, the centenary milestone, and the FIFA World Cup itself,” FIFA announced in a press release.
“The FIFA Council reached a unanimous decision to designate the exclusive hosting rights to the joint bid of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain for the 2030 event, granting them automatic qualification.”
The statement also added, “Furthermore, considering the historical significance of the inaugural FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Council collectively decided to host a distinctive centenary celebration ceremony in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, where the very first FIFA World Cup was held in 1930. Additionally, three World Cup matches will be played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, paying tribute to this historic occasion.”