FIFA has officially confirmed the host nations for the upcoming World Cups, with Saudi Arabia selected to host the 2034 men’s football World Cup. The announcement also revealed that Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly host the 2030 tournament. Additionally, to mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, three matches in 2030 will be played in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The decision was made during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress held on Wednesday, where representatives from FIFA's 211 member nations participated via video link. The selection process for both tournaments involved two separate votes. The first vote awarded the 2030 World Cup to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, while the second vote confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup. The 2030 tournament will also feature a historic centenary celebration, with Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay each hosting a small number of matches to honor the tournament’s rich history.
The process for selecting the hosts of both World Cups has been met with some controversy. Votes were conducted by ‘acclamation,’ where delegates expressed their approval by clapping in front of their cameras, rather than through traditional ballots. This unconventional voting method raised some concerns about transparency and fairness. Norway, one of the FIFA member nations, abstained from voting for the 2034 World Cup, citing apprehensions over the bidding process and the lack of clarity surrounding Saudi Arabia's hosting rights.
The decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup marks a significant milestone for the country, which has been making strides to increase its global influence in sports, particularly football. The Kingdom has invested heavily in its football infrastructure and aims to use the tournament to showcase its capabilities and solidify its position as a major player on the international sports stage.
The 2030 World Cup, which will be the first ever to span three continents, will be a momentous occasion for the sport, as it celebrates a century since the inaugural tournament in Uruguay in 1930. FIFA’s decision to award both the 2030 and 2034 tournaments to these diverse regions highlights the organization’s efforts to bring the World Cup to new territories while commemorating its historic roots.
As preparations for both tournaments begin, the spotlight will be on Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans for the 2034 World Cup and the impact it will have on the global football landscape.
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