FIFA has confirmed that the 2030 World Cup will be held in six countries on three continents.
Spain, Portugal and Morocco have been named as co-hosts, with the opening three matches to be played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
The opening match in South America will mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, as it will be 100 years since the first tournament in Montevideo.
The decision is expected to be approved at next year’s FIFA General Assembly.
FIFA also confirmed that only bids from Asian Football Confederation and Oceanian Football Confederation countries will be considered for the 2034 finals.
Following this decision, Saudi Arabia announced that it would be bidding to host the Games for the first time in 2034.
FIFA’s decision to stage the tournament across multiple continents has drawn criticism, with one supporters group accusing soccer’s world governing body of engaging in a “cycle of destruction of the biggest competition on earth”. did.
”[It’s] It’s horrifying for supporters, and it rolls out the red carpet for the 2034 hosts, who have a disregard for the environment and an appalling human rights record. “As we know, the World Cup is over,” said Football Supporters Europe.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “In a divided world, FIFA and football are coming together.”
“The FIFA Council, which represents the entire world of football, has unanimously agreed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup, which was first held in Uruguay in 1930, in the most appropriate way.
“In 2030, six countries from three continents, Africa, Europe and South America, Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay, will create a unique global tournament that welcomes and unites the world as we celebrate this beautiful game together. It will have a footprint: the 100th anniversary and the FIFA World Cup.”
Montevideo, Uruguay, which hosted the first World Cup match in 1930, is poised to host the opening match in 2030, followed by matches in Argentina and Paraguay.
The remaining 48-team tournament then moves to North Africa and Europe.
If the 2030 proposal is approved, Morocco will become the second African country to host the World Cup, after South Africa in 2010.
Spain was chosen as co-host of the Women’s World Cup, weeks after former soccer federation president Luis Rubiales resigned following criticism over his kiss with Jenni Hermoso.
Spain last hosted the World Cup in 1982, when Italy won for the third time.
Euro 2004 was held in Portugal, although Portugal has never hosted the tournament.
As with previous World Cups, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal and Morocco all automatically qualify as co-hosts.
FIFA follows UEFA in allowing Russia to re-enter under-17 competitions
FIFA also announced that Russia will be able to re-enter under-17 competitions for the first time since the country invaded Ukraine 19 months ago.
The move follows UEFA’s decision last week to allow Russian teams to compete at U17 level in European competitions after they were suspended when the invasion began in February 2022. .
FIFA said the decision was conditional on the teams playing as the “Russian Football Federation” rather than Russia, without a national flag or anthem, and wearing neutral uniforms.
UEFA’s move drew criticism from the English Football Association, which said it “does not support” the decision, adding: “Our position remains that the English team will not play Russia.”
But UEFA said boys and girls should not be punished for the actions of adults, adding in a statement: “Football should never give up on sending a message of peace and hope.”