The 2030 FIFA Men's World Cup will be held in six countries on three continents

Argentina will host the opening matches to mark the tournament's centenary. Photo: Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

FIFA announced an emergency decision to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup on three continents to celebrate the centenary of the tournament in South America.

Morocco, Portugal and Spain have been confirmed as joint hosts of the final in seven years, but the games will also be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, meaning the tournament will be held in six countries.

“Taking into account the historical context of the first ever FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Council unanimously agreed to hold a unique centenary ceremony in the capital of [Uruguay] Montevideo, where the first ever FIFA World Cup took place. in 2030, as well as three World Cup matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay respectively,” FIFA confirmed.

The decision paved the way for the 2034 tournament to be held in the Asia or Oceania region, with Saudi Arabia confirming what will participate in the auction.

FIFA inevitably risks criticism for playing matches thousands of miles apart. The world governing body's website has a page dedicated to sustainability, and fans will face increased costs of flying across continents.

“In a divided world, FIFA and football are united,” said President Gianni Infantino. “The FIFA Council, representing the entire world of football, has unanimously agreed to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup, first held in Uruguay in 1930, in the most appropriate way.”

“As a result, the celebration will take place in South America, with three South American countries – Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay – organizing one match each at the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The first of these three matches will, of course, be played at the stadium where it will take place. it all started at the mythical Estadio Centenario in Montevideo precisely to celebrate the centenary of the World Cup.»

Infantino described the tournament as having a «unique global impact.»

Between Meanwhile, FIFA has confirmed that Russian under-17 teams will be allowed to participate in their tournaments following UEFA's decision to allow them to return to European football.

“The FIFA Council has approved the extension of this decision to FIFA. The FIFA U-17 World Cup and the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, for which UEFA competitions serve as a qualification route, thereby lifting the disqualification of teams from Russia taking part in these tournaments,” the department confirmed.< /p>