FIFA announces joint hosts for 2030 W’Cup, Saudi Arabia as 2034 host

December 12, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

FIFA has confirmed that the 2030 Men’s Football World Cup will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

This announcement was made during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting, where it was also decided that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 tournament.

The 2030 World Cup will feature a unique format, with the opening three matches taking place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to commemorate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup.

The rest of the tournament will be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the decision, saying, “Today is a historic day, a day of celebration. In a divided world, we have shown unity.”

He also acknowledged concerns about hosting the World Cup in Saudi Arabia, saying, “We are aware of critics and fears, and I trust our hosts to address these points and deliver a World Cup that meets expectations”.

The decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia has been met with criticism, with human rights groups expressing concerns about the country’s record on human rights.

However, Infantino emphasized the potential for the World Cup to drive positive change, saying, “We want to make a positive social impact”.

The 2034 World Cup is expected to be held in the winter due to Saudi Arabia’s hot climate, which could pose challenges for European leagues.

The tournament will feature 48 teams and will be the first World Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia.