The Ultimate Hosts: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay Secure Tournament Matches for World Cup 2030

The World Cup 2030 is scheduled to take place in six countries spanning three continents, while there is a possibility that Saudi Arabia may host the 2034 edition of the tournament. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are likely to co-host the men's tournament in 2030, while the opening matches to commemorate the tournament's centenary will be held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, three South American nations.

Montevideo, the city in Uruguay that hosted the inaugural World Cup finals match in 1930, is set to host the opening match once again in seven years, followed by games in Argentina and Paraguay.

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The remaining 48-team tournament will subsequently transition to North Africa and Europe. This proposal, put forth by UEFA, the Confederation of African Football, and South American confederation CONMEBOL, has been accepted by the FIFA council during a meeting held on Wednesday. Formal approval by FIFA's congress is now required for the hosting arrangement.

Uruguay was chosen to host the 2030 tournament due to their previous role as hosts and winners of the opening tournament. Argentina, as the runners-up in that tournament, and Paraguay, known as the traditional home of CONMEBOL, were also selected. As a result, these countries will automatically qualify for the finals and have the privilege of playing their opening matches on their own home ground.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed his gratitude for the news, emphasizing the unifying power of FIFA and football.

"In 2030, the global presence of FIFA will be unparalleled, spanning three continents - Africa, Europe, and South America - across six countries: Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, and Uruguay. Together, we will welcome and unite people from around the world, celebrating the beautiful game, the centenary, and the FIFA World Cup."

CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez expressed, "We set ambitious goals and envisioned something grand. The Centenario World Cup of 2030 will commence at the origins of it all. The opening matches of this momentous event will take place in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina."

However, the Football Supporters Europe group was deeply unimpressed by the arrangement.

It posted on X: "FIFA continues its cycle of destruction against the greatest tournament on earth.

Saudi set to host 2034 tournament?

The awarding of the 2026 finals to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, along with the proposed award to Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, leaves only bids from the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation remaining in contention for the 2034 finals.

Saudi Arabia overwhelming favourites for 2034 World Cup

According to We News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol, this gives Saudi Arabia, who were initially rumored to be interested in bidding for 2030, a highly favorable chance of hosting. However, there is also the possibility that Australia may enter the running, especially considering their successful co-hosting of the Women's World Cup alongside New Zealand earlier this year.

Saudi Arabia expressed interest in hosting the 2030 World Cup and had contemplated partnering with Greece and Egypt for a joint bid. However, it now seems that their attention will shift towards the World Cup in 2034.

Today's announcement, I believe, strengthens Saudi Arabia's chances. Typically, World Cups are allocated on a rotational basis across different continents. In 2030, Europe, South America, and Africa are set to host the tournament.

So, after exhausting their opportunities, the three Confederations will no longer have a chance. By 2034, FIFA plans to invite a representative from either Asia or Oceania to host the World Cup. Without needing to delve into conspiracy theories, it is evident that Saudi Arabia will make a strong bid to secure the hosting rights and are expected to be the clear frontrunners for this prestigious tournament.

Portugal set to host first World Cup | Morocco in line to become second African nation to host finals games

Despite the scandal surrounding the actions of former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales during the Women's World Cup final, it has not hindered Spain from being chosen as the host for its second finals. Spain previously hosted the tournament solely in 1982.

Rubiales continues to face FIFA disciplinary proceedings.

If the 2030 proposal is approved, Morocco would become the second African nation to host World Cup finals matches, following South Africa's hosting in 2010. Portugal, on the other hand, has never hosted a World Cup but did host Euro 2004.

A South American bid was originally scheduled to compete against the Morocco-Spain-Portugal bid, with a decision anticipated at an extraordinary FIFA congress to be held in the last quarter of next year.

However, the South American bid would have faced significant challenges in overcoming the bid supported by UEFA and CAF. As a result, CONMEBOL has collaborated with the European and African confederations to present this proposal.

Brazil, in 2014, were the last South American nation to host the tournament.