Six teams have already earned their spot in the 2030 World Cup!
Spain has just won the World Cup for the second time, and now we’re already excited about the 2030 tournament—the 24th edition! For the first time ever, three countries across two continents will host the World Cup: Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
There’s also a special twist for 2030. The first three matches will be played in South America to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the World Cup. This unique celebration will take place in Montevideo, Uruguay, where the very first World Cup was held in 1930.
Those opening matches will be in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Back in 1930, Uruguay hosted and won the tournament by beating Argentina in the final. Paraguay is also important because it’s home to Conmebol, the South American football confederation, which was the only football organization at the time.
FIFA shared why these three countries will host games: “The 2030 World Cup marks 100 years since the first tournament, held across three stadiums in South America. After talking with all football groups, FIFA agreed on a special celebration in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.”
Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will be the main hosts and get automatic spots in the tournament. Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay also qualify automatically because they are hosting the opening games.
FIFA explained that Morocco, Portugal, and Spain’s joint bid was supported by their continents’ football groups, CAF and UEFA. Similarly, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay’s role was backed by Conmebol.
The centenary match will take place in Montevideo, honoring Uruguay as the first host and winner. Argentina will host a game to recognize them as the 1930 runners-up, and Paraguay will host a match due to its importance as the home of Conmebol, the very first football confederation.
Overall, 23 stadiums will be used in the tournament, including famous venues like Barcelona’s Camp Nou, Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu, and Benfica’s Estadio da Luz.
The 2030 World Cup promises to be a wonderful celebration of football’s rich history across Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and South America!