In 2030 the World Cup will take a global turn, spanning three continents. Six countries, including Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, will host the world's top 48 teams. Ukraine, an original long shot to play host, is therefore off the table as a potential location.
But here's the nostalgic bit: FIFA is throwing it back to 1930. That's when Uruguay won the first-ever World Cup at Estadio Centenario, and Argentina (current World Cup Champs) narrowly missed the title.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary, the tournament will start with games in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
All six hosts automatically qualify for the World Cup. Should Argentina and Portugal play, Messi and Ronaldo could play in their home countries for one very “last dance” — as Messi and Ronaldo would be 43 and 45, respectively. Let's just hope they're there to celebrate and watch.
Why was Paguay selected as a World Cup location?
Paraguay's inclusion in the World Cup is no mere coincidence. Nestled in the heart of South America, this nation proudly houses the headquarters of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). As a result, “El Corazón de Sudamérica” will host the third match of the games in Asuncion. Montevideo and Buenos will host the first two matches, respectively.
“We aimed high and dreamed big,” tweeted CONMEBOL head Alejandro Dominguez. “The 2030 Centenario World Cup starts where it all began.” Last year, Dominguez proposed that World Cup players should also wear throwback kits for the games.
Two hundred eleven member associations of the FIFA Congress approved the plans on Wednesday. FIFA will sign off on the 2030 World Cup's final details in its annual congress in Zurich next year.
Where will the 2030 World Cup final be played?
World Cup 2030 marks the first time the World Cup will be played across three continents. Morocco, in particular, becomes the first North African country to host the World Cup.
Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu will most likely host the World Cup final.
Photo: Instagram/gianni_infantino
