The 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia, while the 2030 tournament will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with special centenary matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
These decisions were finalized during an extraordinary FIFA Congress held on Wednesday, where representatives from all 211 member associations participated virtually.
The 2030 World Cup will commemorate 100 years of the competition, with three opening matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to honor its origins.
The tournament will then continue across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, marking the first time it spans multiple continents.
Saudi Arabia was awarded the 2034 tournament after being the sole bidder.
The nation’s campaign garnered widespread support, including endorsements from England, Scotland, and Wales.
The English FA expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to ensure safety and inclusivity for all fans attending the event.
The voting process was conducted through “acclamation,” where members clapped in support via video link. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom clarified that all member associations had effectively submitted their votes before the congress.
While most associations backed the bids, Norway abstained, citing concerns about FIFA’s bidding process rather than opposition to Saudi Arabia’s candidacy. Switzerland also requested that its observations be recorded in the official minutes of the meeting.
The announcements reinforce FIFA’s vision of promoting football on a global scale while incorporating historical and cultural significance into its hosting decisions.
