The Voice News Desk
In a landmark announcement by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a virtual extraordinary Congress, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal were confirmed as the hosts for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Arabia was awarded the hosting rights for the 2034 tournament.
2030 World Cup: A Centennial Celebration Across Three Continents
The 2030 World Cup will mark the tournament’s centenary by being staged across six nations on three continents, a historic first for global football. Matches will be played primarily in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay hosting special celebratory games.
This arrangement honors the tournament’s legacy, as Uruguay hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1930. Argentina and Spain have previously been hosts, while Morocco, Portugal, and Paraguay will make their debut in organizing the prestigious event.
FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament’s footprint aligns with its vision of inclusivity. “What better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2030 than to have the World Cup in six countries, across three continents, with 48 teams and 104 matches,” said Infantino.
2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia Steps into the Spotlight
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, becoming the second Middle Eastern nation to do so after Qatar in 2022. The decision aligns with FIFA’s announcement earlier this year that the tournament would be held in the Asia or Oceania region.
The Saudi bid received strong backing from the Asian Football Confederation and faced no competition, as Australia and Indonesia abandoned their plans for a joint bid.
Criticism of FIFA’s Bidding Process
While the decisions were finalized without contention, the process faced scrutiny. The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) publicly criticized FIFA’s approach, calling it “flawed and inconsistent.” NFF also opposed the awarding of hosting rights by acclamation, voicing concerns about transparency in the bidding process.
Expanding Football’s Global Reach
FIFA’s approach to the 2030 and 2034 World Cups reflects a broader strategy to globalize the sport. Infantino emphasized that expanding the number of teams and hosting nations has enriched the tournament’s quality and reach.
With Morocco, Spain, and Portugal set to make history in 2030, and Saudi Arabia poised to host in 2034, FIFA continues its mission to bring the world’s most beloved sport to diverse corners of the globe.