Morocco has been officially announced as one of the hosts for the FIFA 2030 World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal, marking a historic moment for African football. This will be the second time the men’s World Cup is hosted on the African continent, following South Africa’s hosting in 2010.
In a departure from tradition, the tournament will begin with the first three matches held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, a decision by FIFA to commemorate the centenary of the inaugural World Cup, which took place in Uruguay in 1930. The unique format will see teams competing across different hemispheres and seasons during the tournament.
The tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the largest World Cup in history. Africa will have a significant presence, with nine African national squads qualifying for the competition.
Morocco is expected to play a prominent role as a host, potentially hosting the final match of the tournament. The country is constructing the state-of-the-art Hassan I Stadium, located on the outskirts of Casablanca, which will boast a capacity of 115,000 spectators, making it one of the largest football venues in the world.
This announcement reinforces Morocco’s growing football legacy, especially following its historic performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where it became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. Hosting the tournament will solidify Morocco’s position as a leader in African football and provide a platform to showcase its infrastructure and passion for the sport.
The 2030 World Cup is set to be a truly global event, with matches spanning continents and cultures. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described it as a celebration of “football’s universal appeal and history.”
For Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, this is an opportunity to highlight their shared commitment to the sport, while South America’s inclusion honors the competition’s roots and its 100-year legacy.
The world eagerly anticipates what promises to be a tournament of historic proportions, uniting nations and fans in a global celebration of football.