The World Cup Is Changing: What’s Coming in 2030 and 2034 (Explained Simply)

Based on reporting from CNN Español

The 2026 World Cup Is Done — and It Was Huge

The 2026 World Cup has already finished. It was the 23rd edition of the tournament (the “Copa del Mundo” is just the Spanish name for the World Cup).

• It was the biggest ever.
• 48 teams played in it.
• It was hosted by three countries: Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

What About the Next One? The 2030 World Cup

The next World Cup will happen in the middle of the year 2030.

• It will be very special because it is the 100-year anniversary of the first World Cup ever, which was held in 1930 in Uruguay.
• A lot has changed since 1930:
  • Back then, teams took long trips by boat.
  • Only 13 teams played.
  • The only host city was Montevideo (in Uruguay).
• Over time, the tournament kept growing, reaching its biggest size yet in 2026 with 48 teams.

Why Multiple Host Countries?

With 48 teams today, you need a lot of stuff:

• Stadiums
• Hotels
• Training fields
• Transportation

Important Point: It is very hard for ONE country to have all that infrastructure. That’s why the 2026 tournament used multiple host countries — and 2030 will do the same.

The 2030 Hosts: Three Main Countries (and They’re on Different Continents!)

The 2030 World Cup will have three main host countries, just like 2026.

But here’s the big difference:

• 2026 was all in North America.
• 2030 will connect continents:
  • Spain
  • Morocco
  • Portugal

These three will host the main football party.

The 2030 World Cup main hosts are Spain, Morocco, and Portugal — but some games will also be in South America.

Three Extra Hosts for Just One Game Each

There’s more! Three other countries were chosen to host only one match each:

• Argentina
• Paraguay
• Uruguay

This is the first time in FIFA history that this happens.

Why Were They Chosen?

FIFA said they picked these three South American countries because of the 100-year anniversary — to honor the South American football party from last century.

• It may also be a “consolation prize” because Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay had proposed hosting the whole World Cup, but lost to the Europe-Africa bid.
• Uruguay was chosen because it was the first host and first champion.
• Argentina was recognized as the first runner-up.
• Paraguay is included because the South American football confederation (called CONMEBOL) is based there.

What Will Happen in Those Games?

• Not 100% confirmed by FIFA yet, but expected:
  • These three countries’ teams will automatically qualify.
  • They will play their opening matches at home.
  • Then they will continue in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal.
• The Centenario Stadium in Uruguay (where Uruguay beat Argentina 4–2 to become the first world champion) will host the opening match of the tournament.

A Big Idea: Should 2030 Have 64 Teams?

There is a proposal that could change everything.

• Alejandro Domínguez, the president of CONMEBOL, has been asking for months that the 2030 World Cup include 64 teams.
• He formally made the request in April last year at CONMEBOL’s 80th Ordinary Congress.
• His words: “Only once do 100 years happen. So we propose, just this once, to bring this anniversary to 64 teams, in three continents at the same time. So all countries can live a World Cup experience.”

If this happens:

• Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay would not just host one game each.
• Each would host all the matches of their own group.

Important Point: Some think a 64-team World Cup sounds silly, but FIFA is studying the proposal.

During the 2026 World Cup, the talk came back:

• FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he is considering adding even more nations.
• He told Swiss media Bluewin: “Surely this is a matter that will be examined and debated in the relevant committees after this World Cup.”
• He also said: hosting should think about the whole planet, not just Europe and South America.
• His reason: if small countries never get a chance to play, they won’t have incentive to improve.

And What About 2034?

Things are clearer for 2034.

• On December 11, 2024, FIFA announced the 25th World Cup will return to Asia (after Qatar hosted in 2022).
• Only one host country: Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia will be the sole host of the 2034 World Cup.

Why Saudi Arabia?

• The 2030 hosts were in Europe, Africa, and South America.
• FIFA uses a rotating model to take the tournament to different continents.
• Since 2026 was in North America, 2034 could only go to Asia or Oceania (which never hosted).
• So Asia was chosen, and Saudi Arabia is the host.

One open question: like in Qatar, the tournament might be moved to the end of the year because that’s when it’s cooler there.

Important Point: The 2034 World Cup will be a big milestone for Saudi Arabia’s growing football league, where more stars play and more money flows every year.

Summary

• The 2026 World Cup (48 teams, Canada/USA/Mexico) is over and was the biggest yet.
• The 2030 World Cup celebrates 100 years since 1930:
  • Main hosts: Spain, Morocco, Portugal (three continents together).
  • One match each in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay (first time ever).
  • Opening game in Uruguay’s Centenario Stadium.
  • A proposal to expand to 64 teams is being studied by FIFA.
• The 2034 World Cup will be in Saudi Arabia alone, returning to Asia.

FAQ

1. Why is the 2030 World Cup special?
Because it is the 100-year anniversary of the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930.

2. Which countries host the 2030 World Cup?
Spain, Morocco, and Portugal are the main hosts. Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay each host one match.

3. What is the 64-team proposal?
CONMEBOL’s president suggested making 2030 a one-time 64-team tournament across three continents so more countries can join. FIFA is reviewing it.

4. Where is the 2034 World Cup?
Only in Saudi Arabia, as announced by FIFA on December 11, 2024.

5. Why does the World Cup move between continents?
FIFA uses a rotating system to give different parts of the world a chance to host.