FIFA has confirmed that the 2030 World Cup will be held in six different countries – and on three separate continents.
European pair Spain and Portugal and neighboring African country Morocco were the host countries for the tournament by president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday.
But the first three matches will be played in South America to celebrate 100 years since the first World Cup in 1930.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Centenary World Cup.
Why are six countries hosting the 2030 World Cup?
South American quartet Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay submitted a joint bid to host the 2030 tournament in early 2023.
Spain and Portugal had already submitted a joint bid in 2021, with Ukraine added as the third host country the following year after they were invaded by Russia.
However, due to security concerns due to the ongoing war, Ukraine was replaced by the African nation of Morocco – with the trio eventually named as the sole contenders for the bid.
However, FIFA has still chosen to host part of the tournament in South America due to the fact that it is 100 years since the inaugural World Cup, which was held in Uruguay when Conmebol was the sole governing body.
One game each played in 1930 host nation Uruguay, home of that year’s winners Argentina and Paraguay, home of Conmebol.
Introducing the hosts for its next two editions @FIFAWorldCup! 🏆
Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host in 2030, with centenary celebrations in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Four years later, Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup™. pic.twitter.com/WdOEdNEVxH
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) December 11, 2024
What pitches are used?
The official list of pitches has yet to be confirmed, but the official bid evaluation report listed 20 pitches, split between the three hosts.
Spain is set to host the most matches after unveiling 11 stadiums, including Barcelona’s Camp Nou – which is currently being renovated to increase its capacity to 105,000 – and Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu.
Portugal will use three stadiums – Estadio Jose Alvalade, Estadio da Luz and Estadio do Dragao – the homes of Sporting CP, Benfica and Porto respectively.
Morocco has proposed six stadiums, five already in use and a new one to be built in Casablanca.
What will the format be?
The tournament will be the second in history with 48 teams after the tournament was extended to 2026, having previously had 32 since 1992.
The teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two and eight best third-placed teams advancing to an extra round of 32.
A total of 104 games will be played throughout the tournament.
FIFA says the match schedule will be adjusted to give teams playing in the centenary matches in South America enough time to travel and rest.
The tournament will be played between June 8, with the final on July 21, 2030.
Who can qualify for the 2030 World Cup?
Morocco, Portugal and Spain – plus Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay – automatically qualify for the tournament as host nations.
The qualification quota is yet to be confirmed, but this is how the places have been allocated for the 2026 World Cup, which is also a 48-team tournament.
