FIFA confirms 2030 World Cup to be co‑hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco with opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina and

FIFA has approved a historic format for the 2030 World Cup, marking the tournament’s centenary. The competition will be staged across six nations on three continents. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will serve as the primary hosts, providing the majority of the 104 matches, including the final and knockout stages. To honour the event’s origins, the opening group‑stage games will be played in South America – one each in Uruguay (Montevideo), Argentina (Buenos Aires) and Paraguay (Asunción).

The tournament will retain the expanded 48‑team format introduced in 2026, but the South American football confederation (CONMEBOL) is advocating a further expansion to 64 teams. If adopted, the format could involve 16 groups and nearly double the number of matches, offering greater commercial revenue and broader representation for smaller football nations. The proposed expansion is supported by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who says the issue will be examined after the 2026 edition. Economic incentives, logistical challenges and the symbolic significance of a centennial, inter‑continental event are central to the discussions.