FIFA recently awarded the organization of 2030 and 2034 World Cups, announcing historical and particularly ambitious editions.
This Wednesday, December 11, 2024, during its congress in Riyadh, the International Federation confirmed that the 2030 World Cup would take place for the first time on three continents. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host most of the matches, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will organize three games to mark the centenary of the competition. This unprecedented distribution brings the World Cup into a new era, combining tradition and geographic expansion.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, was designated to organize the 2034 edition, thus marking a turning point in its strategy of economic diversification and sporting boom. This choice has aroused strong reactions, in particular due to concerns related to human rights and working conditions in the country. Critical voices, such as that of the Belgian Football Federation, underlined the social and humanitarian issues linked to this attribution, calling for a more responsible and aware approach to local contexts.
The challenges linked to the organization of these events are multiple, between logistics, infrastructure and environmental considerations. If Morocco, Portugal and Spain share the organization of the 2030 World Cup, the details concerning the award of decisive matches are still in debate. As for Saudi Arabia, it still has to take up major challenges to meet the requirements of a competition of this scale. However, the kingdom sees in this unique opportunity to improve its image internationally and become a key player in world sport.
Despite criticism, FIFA defends the idea that these World Cups could serve as catalysts for positive changes, both socially and economically, in host countries. An ambitious bet that could redefine the future of football worldwide.
