Morocco, Spain and Portugal have been awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with the opening three matches to be played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
The decision was made by FIFA on Wednesday, and marks the first time that the tournament will be held in three different countries.
Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay were chosen to host the opening matches as a tribute to the tournament’s 100th anniversary which was held in Uruguay in 1930.
All six countries will qualify automatically for the tournament which will be the first to be held in Africa, South America and Europe.
The opening game will be played at Estadio Centenario in Uruguay, the stadium which was purpose-built for the 1930 tournament and hosted the final.
The opening ceremony will still take place in Morocco, Portugal, or Spain.
The 2030 tournament will see Morocco host the World Cup for the first time, having had five unsuccessful bids to host the tournament in the past.
Portugal will also host for the first time, having launched unsuccessful bids to host the tournament in 2018 and 2022 alongside Spain.
Spain last hosted the World Cup in 1982.
The decision to award the hosting rights to Morocco, Spain, and Portugal is significant as it demos FIFA's commitment to expanding the reach of the World Cup. It is also a sign of the growing strength of African and European football.
