Six countries across three continents will host the 2030 FIFA men's World Cup, while Saudi Arabia is set to be the tournament's lone host in 2034. A majority of 200 regional soccer federations approved the unopposed bids at yesterday's Congress, though FIFA has faced criticism for an allegedly obscure bidding process.
Three opening matches in 2030—the centenary of the event—will be played in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay (the site of the first World Cup), before moving play to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. It marks the first time a North African country will host a World Cup match and will be the first such event to take place on more than one continent.
The 2034 World Cup adds to Saudi Arabia's expansion into sports, as its sovereign wealth fund has invested in golf, wrestling, motorsports, and more. Analysts say host countries see an uptick in tourism and short-term economic activity but note the long-term benefits of high-value, low-use stadium infrastructure are limited.
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