FIFA has officially confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. For the 2030 edition, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will be the primary co-hosts, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay joining in to host three special centenary matches.
This arrangement ensures that the 100th anniversary of the World Cup begins where it all started—at the historic Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay, the venue of the first World Cup final in 1930.
Introducing the hosts for the next two editions of the @FIFAWorldCup! 🏆
Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host in 2030, with centenary celebration matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Four years later, Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup 2034™. pic.twitter.com/WdOEdNEVxH
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) December 11, 2024
Saudi Arabia’s selection as the 2034 host comes as no surprise, as the kingdom was the sole bidder following Australia’s decision to step back from the race. The Saudi bid scored an impressive 4.2 out of 5 in FIFA’s evaluation process, highlighting its readiness to host the expanded 48-team tournament. The 2034 World Cup will also be the first time the expanded format is held entirely within a single country.
The centenary edition in 2030, meanwhile, promises to be a historic spectacle. Matches will be spread across Europe, Africa, and South America, uniting six nations in a celebration of football’s enduring legacy. Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will handle the majority of the tournament, while Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will add a historic touch by hosting the opening matches.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his enthusiasm for the decisions, congratulating all host nations. He described the upcoming tournaments as milestones in the history of the sport, emphasizing their role in connecting continents and celebrating football’s universal appeal.
The 2034 announcement adds to Saudi Arabia’s growing list of major sports events, reflecting its ambitions to become a key player on the global sports stage. Meanwhile, the 2030 edition will stand as a testament to football’s global unity, commemorating its origins while paving the way for its future.
