In a groundbreaking decision, FIFA announces the 2030 World Cup will be hosted across three continents, marking a centenary celebration of the tournament.

A centenary celebration like no other

The 2030 World Cup is set to be a historic event, as it will be hosted across three continents, spanning six countries. This unprecedented move was approved during a recent meeting of FIFA's governing council. The tournament, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, will see a unique arrangement where three South American countries - Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay - will each host an opening match. Following these matches, the tournament will continue in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

This multi-continent hosting was a result of separate bids by the South American nations and the trio of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. While the latter was initially considered the sole bidder for the 2030 edition, the new arrangement allows each nation to play a part in hosting, recognizing the significance of the tournament's centenary. FIFA expressed its enthusiasm for this unique format, stating that the World Cup will "unite three continents and six countries," inviting the world to celebrate the beautiful game.

The decision to host the 2030 World Cup across three continents has implications for future tournaments. It narrows down the nations eligible to bid for the 2034 event, paving the way for countries like Saudi Arabia, which has shown keen interest in hosting, to potentially secure the rights in the upcoming selection.

Projekt Estadio Centenario

Reflecting on the World Cup's evolution

The World Cup has come a long way since its inception in 1930 in Uruguay. What started as a 13-team competition in Montevideo has grown into one of the most watched and valuable sporting events globally. The financial significance of the World Cup is evident from FIFA's projection of record revenues of at least $11 billion for its current four-year cycle, nearly double from the previous one.

The World Cup's format has evolved over the decades. The 2026 edition will see an expansion to 48 teams, making it the largest in history. This growth and FIFA's stringent requirements for hosting have made it challenging for a single nation to host the event. The 2026 tournament, for instance, will be held primarily in the United States, with matches also scheduled in Mexico and Canada, marking the first time the tournament will be played across three countries.

While the decision to host the 2030 World Cup across three continents has been met with excitement, it has also faced criticism. Some fan groups have expressed concerns about the challenges supporters might face. Despite the mixed reactions, the 2030 World Cup promises to be a unique celebration of football, starting with an opening ceremony at the Estadio Centenario in Uruguay, the very site of the 1930 final.

 Obras River Plate