Six countries have already secured their places at the 2030 FIFA World Cup after FIFA officially confirmed the tournament’s unique hosting arrangement spanning three continents.

Morocco, Portugal and Spain will serve as the main hosts of the expanded tournament, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will stage special centenary celebration matches to mark 100 years since the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930.

As a result, all six countries have automatically qualified for the 2030 finals through the slot allocation of their respective continental confederations.

The decision was formally approved by all 211 FIFA Member Associations during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress held virtually in December 2024, concluding the governing body’s bidding process for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups.

Saudi Arabia was also confirmed as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Six nations already qualified for the 2030 World Cup

The countries guaranteed a place at the tournament are:

Morocco

Portugal

Spain

Uruguay

Argentina

Paraguay

Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host the bulk of the competition, with 101 matches scheduled across the three countries.

Meanwhile, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will each stage one opening-week match as part of FIFA’s centenary celebrations.

Why six countries will host the tournament

FIFA said the arrangement was designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup, which was held in Uruguay in 1930.

Uruguay will host the official centenary celebration and ceremony in Montevideo, recognising its status as the host and winner of the inaugural tournament.

Argentina will host a match in recognition of its role as runners-up in the 1930 competition, while Paraguay was selected because it is home to CONMEBOL, South America’s football governing body.

Following the three celebratory fixtures in South America, the tournament will move to Morocco, Portugal and Spain for the official opening ceremony and the remainder of the competition.

Match schedule adjusted for travel

To accommodate the unprecedented six-country format, FIFA has confirmed that the tournament schedule will include additional rest and travel days for the six teams involved in the South American centenary matches.

The opening celebratory games are expected to take place on June 8 and 9, 2030, before the tournament officially begins in Morocco, Portugal and Spain on June 13 or 14.

The final Is scheduled for July 21, 2030.

FIFA said the revised timetable would remain within the existing international match calendar, meaning there would be no additional release period required for players or clubs despite the extra travel involved. (Vanguard)

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