FIFA has officially confirmed that the 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, marking a historic tournament that will span three continents.
The first three matches will take place in South America, specifically in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, honoring the centenary of the World Cup, which began in Uruguay in 1930.
The remaining matches will be held in the three European and African countries.
The decision follows a contentious bidding process that saw Saudi Arabia emerge as the sole candidate for the 2034 World Cup.
Both the 2030 and 2034 host selections were combined into a single vote, leading to the uncontested approval of Saudi Arabia as the next host.
While the decision to host the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia has drawn significant criticism due to the country’s human rights record, FIFA’s evaluation committee awarded Saudi Arabia’s bid its highest-ever score.
The selection has sparked concerns over “sportswashing,” with critics pointing to the kingdom’s crackdown on free speech, human rights abuses, and its treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid also faces logistical challenges. The extreme summer heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C, poses risks for players and spectators alike. FIFA has suggested that the tournament could be moved to the cooler months of October to April, but this would clash with ongoing football seasons across Europe.
Despite these concerns, the kingdom’s growing influence in global sports continues to expand, with Saudi Arabia already hosting major events like Formula 1, boxing, and golf. The 2034 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, but unlike the 2026 edition—shared by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—it will be held in a single country.
As the World Cup shifts into new territories, the selection of Saudi Arabia for 2034 remains controversial. FIFA’s handling of the process has left many questioning the ethical implications of awarding such a prestigious event to a nation with a troubled human rights record.
Critics, including Amnesty International, have expressed alarm over the potential exploitation of migrant workers and the lack of labor protections.
