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Diahuebs, 5 October 2023 AWEMainta SPORTS 33

World Cup 2030:

Spain, Portugal, Morocco to Host

Historic Multi-Continental Tournament

IN an unexpected twist, the FIFA World Cup in 2030 is poised
to expand across three continents, with Morocco, Spain, and
Portugal clinching the rights to host the 48-team tourna-
ment. This historic choice represents a significant depar-

ture from the norm, as it will be the first time the World Cup
spans multiple continents.

The announcement came after a virtual meeting of the FIFA

council on Wednesday. However, it’s crucial to emphasize
that the ultimate confirmation of this decision hinges on a
vote involving all 211 FIFA members in the upcoming months
of the following year.

This development follows months of speculation and intense World Cups among various confederations. While the UEFA/
lobbying by various continental confederations vying for the CAF bid was favored for 2030, the South American confed-
prestigious hosting rights. The winning bid, a collaborative eration, CONMEBOL, has not hosted a World Cup since

effort between UEFA and the African federation CAF, initially 2014. They were eager to commemorate the centenary of
contemplated Ukraine’s inclusion as a host nation, signi- the inaugural World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930.
fying solidarity amid ongoing conflicts. Nevertheless, it later As soccer enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the defini-
emerged that Ukraine’s involvement did not materialize in tive confirmation of this groundbreaking choice, the pros-

the final proposal. pect of a multi-continental World Cup in 2030 promises to
be an exhilarating and unparalleled chapter in the annals of
The joint proposal from Morocco, Spain, and Portugal had the sport.
been the frontrunner for hosting the 2030 World Cup, under-

scoring the shared commitment of UEFA and CAF to bring
this ambitious multi-continental event to fruition.

In contrast, South America, represented by Uruguay and

Argentina, alongside Chile and Paraguay, had been expected
to forge a competing bid. Additionally, there had been discus-
sions about another cross-continental endeavor, potentially
involving Greece, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

FIFA’s decision to award the 2030 World Cup to multiple
continents represents a significant departure from the tradi-
tional tournament format. Consequently, the 2034 World
Cup will be hosted by a country or countries within the Asian

or Oceania confederations.

Saudi Arabia has already confirmed its intent to bid for the
2034 tournament and is considered a formidable contender.

Australia, possibly in partnership with Indonesia, is also
expected to express interest in hosting. Furthermore, China,
which once aspired to host the World Cup by 2030, may
consider entering the competition.

This decision underscores FIFA’s dedication to rotating