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While you are just starting to feel pumped for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, México and Canada, FIFA is already planning where to host the tournament in 2030.
Yes, because it's never too soon to do it.
Despite looking far ahead on time, the truth is that organizing the event is a long process and that's why FIFA expects to award the hosting rights in its 74th Congress, scheduled for the third quarter of 2024.
Does FIFA have candidates? Yes. Currently, there are two formal biddings on its desk, but it seems highly likely that a third option will materialize before decision time.
Where is the 2030 World Cup?
So, who are the nations raising their hands to host the tournament?
1) Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay
Four South American countries joining forces for a very special occasion. 2030 is the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup ever, which was played in Uruguay. CONMEBOL probably doesn't have the most modern stadiums in the world, but it's betting on the emotional significance of the date to be chosen.
La CONMEBOL presentó los estadios de la candidatura conjunta de Argentina , Uruguay , Chile y Paraguay para organizar el Mundial 2030.pic.twitter.com/tMZd0VnTvA
— VarskySports (@VarskySports) March 31, 2023
Right, as if FIFA was a sentimental creature!
2) Spain, Portugal + Morocco and maybe Ukraine
The Iberian bid. Spain and Portugal have been trying to host a joint World Cup for a while, but their proposals were turned down in 2018 and 2022. They think the third time is the charm, but just in case, now they have reinforcements.
Morocco recently announced they want to join the party, hoping to organize the first transcontinental World Cup. Yes, Europe and Africa, together under the same dream.
Morocco will join Spain and Portugal’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Ukraine was part of the initial bid and it’s unclear whether it has been replaced or will still be included in some way. pic.twitter.com/p9XqZcyWRd— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 14, 2023
And what about Ukraine? Spain and Portugal included Ukraine in their bid to support them in the middle of their conflict with Russia. But since the invasion continues, it's not clear if Ukraine will be able to be part of the event.
3) Saudi Arabia + Egypt or Greece
This proposal is not official yet. But Saudi Arabia is willing to make money rain and bend the rules to achieve their wet sport washing dreams.
Technically, Saudi Arabia can't organize the World Cup in 2030 because 1) their confederation (Asia) just hosted one in Qatar in 2022, and 2) FIFA tries to be fair with everybody, rotating the hosting rights among the different confederations that live under its wings.
According to reports Greece will join Saudi Arabia & Egypt in a bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
It is believed the Saudis are willing to foot most of the bill with Panathinaikos & PAOK getting new stadiums as part of the bid which would also use Karaiskakis & OPAP Arena. pic.twitter.com/o6yYavw0iU— Hellas Football (@HellasFooty) October 19, 2022
But inviting Greece (Europe) or Egypt (Africa) can be the loophole they need to start to pour their oil money into convincing FIFA they are the best option. In fact, they already started hiring Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as ambassadors/mouthpieces of their so-called wonders.
