FIFA confirms Morocco will co-host World Cup in 2030

FIFA announced on Wednesday that Morocco will officially co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, according to Reuters.

The tournament, will kick off with opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to honor the World Cup's 100th anniversary before moving to the main event which will run from June 13 to July 21.

"What better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2030 than to have the World Cup in six countries, in three continents, with 48 teams and 104 epic matches. The world will stand still and will celebrate the 100 years of the World Cup” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said after the virtual extraordinary Congress, FIFA’s awarding process.

Fouzi Lekjaa, President of Morocco’s Football Federation, highlighted the significance of the successful bid, which follows five prior attempts over three decades, Morocco World News reports. Morocco becomes only the second African nation to host the tournament, following South Africa in 2010.

As part of its bid, Morocco showcased its infrastructure plans, including a 5,000-kilometer high-speed rail network connecting Lisbon, Madrid, and Casablanca within three hours. Additionally, Morocco is constructing the Hassan II Stadium near Casablanca, set to be the world’s largest stadium with a capacity of 115,000, expected to be completed by 2028.

FIFA also confirmed on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 games drawing criticism from groups concerned about the country’s human rights record.