Why six countries will host World Cup matches for 2030 tournament for the first time ever
FIFA has confirmed that the 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while the tournament’s first three matches will be played in South America as part of a centenary celebration.
For the first time ever, three countries from two continents will host the competition, with Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as host nations.
There is, however, a "unique" addition to the 2030 edition.
To commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the World Cup, the FIFA Council have unanimously agreed to host a unique centenary celebration ceremony in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, where the first ever World Cup took place in 1930.
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In fact, it has also been confirmed that the opening three matches of the tournament will take place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
The 1930 competition was staged in Uruguay and won by the hosts, who beat Argentina in the final. Paraguay, meanwhile, is where the South American football confederation Conmebol is based.
Conmebol was the only football federation in existence at the time.
FIFA explained why Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will stage three games at the tournament on their official website.
"The 2030 edition is a symbolic milestone for FIFA, as it celebrates 100 years since the first FIFA World Cup was played in South America across three stadiums.
"Following extensive consultation with all confederations, the FIFA Council approved a unique celebration of the centenary of the FIFA World Cup in South America, specifically in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay."
They also touched on why those countries were selected.
"The candidacy of Morocco, Portugal and Spain for the FIFA World Cup 2030 was proposed by CAF and UEFA," a statement read.
"Similarly, the candidacy of Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay for the centenary celebration was proposed by CONMEBOL. Those three confederations endorsed the overall proposal of these candidacies.
"With regard to the latter, subject to the successful bidding process outlined above and approval by the FIFA Congress, the centenary game will be played in Montevideo, Uruguay, as part of the centenary celebration and ceremony, in recognition of Uruguay’s role as the hosts and winners of the 1930 edition.
"A game will be played in Argentina in recognition of Argentina’s role as runners-up of the 1930 edition. A game will be played in Paraguay in recognition of Paraguay’s role as the home of CONMEBOL, the first confederation and the only one at the time of the 1930 edition."
As well as the 2030 World Cup, it was also announced on December 11 that Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup in 2034.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Spain, Morocco, Portugal
Jack Kenmare