This Wednesday marks a historic milestone for global football. FIFA is holding a special virtual congress to officially announce the host nations for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. While these decisions require formal voting, the outcomes are hardly in doubt, as the shortlisted bids face no competition. This process has been shaped by complex geopolitical negotiations that have redefined the future of international football’s flagship tournament.
The 2030 World Cup holds particular significance as it celebrates the centenary of the inaugural 1930 edition in Uruguay. This edition features an unprecedented transcontinental model. Three opening matches, dubbed the "Centenary Celebrations," will take place in South America, hosted by the founding countries: Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The tournament will then continue in the main host nations—Spain, Morocco, and Portugal—where the remaining 101 matches will be held, from June 13 to the final on July 21.
This structure emerged after several twists in the bidding landscape. Initially, the British Isles expressed interest before shifting focus to hosting Euro 2028. Concurrently, UEFA had proposed a Spain-Portugal-Ukraine bid as a symbol of solidarity following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Ukraine was quietly sidelined when Morocco joined the Iberian bid.
As for the 2034 World Cup, it will be hosted by Saudi Arabia. The absence of direct competition, following the withdrawal of Australia and Indonesia and the shelving of China’s ambitions, solidified the Gulf Kingdom’s position. Saudi Arabia has launched an ambitious program to build 12 state-of-the-art stadiums to accommodate the expanded 48-team format, complementing its two existing 40,000-seat venues.
For Morocco, co-hosting the 2030 edition represents a historic achievement. After five unsuccessful bids over three decades (1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2026), the kingdom becomes the second African country to host the tournament, following South Africa in 2010. This success reflects a long-term strategy centered on developing sports infrastructure and leveraging sports diplomacy.
Morocco’s national team performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the semi-finals, also played a pivotal role. The country has strengthened its leadership in Africa, forging 44 partnerships with African football federations. These efforts underscore a commitment to promoting inclusive continental football and positioning Morocco as a key player in global sports.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Morocco’s preparation to host the event is anchored in a comprehensive development strategy. The ambitious Hassan II Stadium project near Casablanca epitomizes this vision. With a budget of €480 million, it will become the world’s largest football stadium, boasting a capacity of 115,000 seats. This venue, considered a potential site for the final, reflects Morocco’s commitment to creating world-class infrastructure.
Host cities—including Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, Tangier, Marrakesh, and Agadir—will also see significant investments, such as airport expansions, road network upgrades, and hotel construction. These developments will not only ensure the event’s success but also contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Despite the excitement surrounding these announcements, organizations like Amnesty International and Sports and Rights Alliance have raised concerns about human rights. They urge FIFA to ensure measures protecting workers and combating discrimination. Environmental challenges have also been highlighted, particularly the carbon footprint of transcontinental travel.
The 2030 World Cup embodies a vision of bridging continents and cultures, while the 2034 edition reflects the rise of new sporting powers. These events promise to unite millions of fans around a universal sport while laying the foundation for a lasting legacy in the host nations.
