The 2030 FIFA World Cup promises a distinct experience, with Morocco, Portugal, and Spain teaming up as hosts. In addition, to pay tribute to the tournament’s roots, special matches will take place in South America.
INDIANAPOLIS — Celebrating a milestone, the 2030 FIFA World Cup will unfold across not one, not two, but three nations in an unprecedented format.
While Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will primarily host the event, the tournament’s more than 100 exhilarating games won’t all take place solely within their borders.
To honor the World Cup’s storied beginnings—which started in South America—three important matches will be staged across Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The historic centenary match will be held in Uruguay, aligning with celebrations that acknowledge Uruguay’s unique position as both host and victor of the inaugural 1930 World Cup.
Due to the format, extra days will be built into the schedule to allow teams to travel, rest, adapt to different time zones and prepare for their next match.
The three matches played in South America will take place before the official opening of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA shared the following proposed schedule:
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Saturday-Sunday, June 8-9, 2030: Centenary celebration ceremony and first matches of Uruguay in Montevideo, Argentina at home and Paraguay at home.
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Thursday-Friday, June 13-14, 2030: Opening ceremony and opening game(s) of the FIFA World Cup 2030.
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Saturday-Sunday, June 15-16, 2030: First matches of the other teams of the groups of Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
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Friday-Saturday, June 21-22, 2030: Second matches of all teams of the groups of Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
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Sunday, July 21, 2030: Final of the FIFA World Cup 2030
While current plans for 2030 include 48 teams, South American soccer officials are pushing for an expanded 64-team tournament. Other confederations are pushing back against an expansion, citing scheduling and infrastructure issues.