In an unexpected turn of events, FIFA has declared that the joint bid from Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Additionally, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay have been awarded the honour of hosting the opening matches of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
This decision came earlier than anticipated, as FIFA had initially planned to unveil the hosts next year. Notably, the inaugural World Cup in 1930 unfolded in Uruguay, where the host nation emerged victorious after defeating Argentina in the final match held in Montevideo.
This landmark choice signifies the first occasion the World Cup will span three continents and six countries
“The FIFA Council unanimously agreed that the sole candidacy will be the combined bid of Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, which will host the event in 2030 and qualify automatically from the existing slot allocation subject to the completion of a successful bidding process conducted by FIFA and a decision by the FIFA Congress in 2024,” FIFA said in a statement.
“Additionally, having taken into account the historical context of the first-ever FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Council further unanimously agreed to host a unique centenary celebration ceremony in the country’s capital, Montevideo… as well as three World Cup matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay respectively.”
While Portugal and Morocco are new to hosting the World Cup, Spain last hosted the tournament in 1982.
Reaction Of Host Nations
Pedro Rocha, President of the Management Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, expressed his excitement about bringing the World Cup back to Spain, a nation that clinched the World Cup in 2010. He confidently stated, “I am sure that together with Morocco and Portugal, we will organize the best World Cup in history.”
Portugal, having successfully hosted the European Championship in 2004, has finally secured the rights to host a World Cup, following previous unsuccessful attempts for the 2018 and 2022 editions in collaboration with Spain.
Fernando Gomes, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, remarked, “Each of our countries brings a vibrant footballing tradition, unrivalled organizational experience, and a capacity for innovation that will undoubtedly leave its mark on the future of the competition.”
King Mohammed VI of Morocco warmly welcomed FIFA’s decision, with the African nation making waves in Qatar last year by becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals. Morocco will be the second African country to host the World Cup, following South Africa’s hosting in 2010.
Additionally, FIFA has announced that the 2034 World Cup will be hosted in the Asia or Oceania region, extending an invitation to member associations from these territories to bid for the tournament.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has already expressed its intention to bid for the 2034 edition.
It is worth noting that the 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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