Spain, Portugal and Morocco were named co-hosts for the 2030 FIFA World Cup with the opening three matches taking place in the South American countries of Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. The opening matches in South America is historic as it will mark the World Cup's 100 years in existence since the inaugural competition in Montevideo in 1930. After serious deliberations with all member countries of the world football governing body, the go ahead was given to mark the world cup's centenary anniversary in 2030. It is going to be the first time the World Cup is held in six different countries across three different continents. ALSO READ: Rufai warns Nigeria about Amavubi threat ahead of world cup qualifiers “In a divided world, FIFA and football are uniting,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated after Morocco, Spain and Portugal were handed the rights on Wednesday. He added: “The FIFA Council, representing the entire world of football, unanimously agreed to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup, whose first edition was played in Uruguay in 1930, in the most appropriate way. As a result, a celebration will take place in South America and three South American countries - Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay - will organise one match each of the FIFA World Cup 2030. “The first of these three matches will of course be played at the stadium where it all began, in Montevideo’s mythical Estádio Centenário, precisely to celebrate the centenary edition of the FIFA World Cup.” The FIFA Council also agreed unanimously that the only bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 will be the joint bid of Morocco, Portugal and Spain, the FIFA President added. “Two continents - Africa and Europe - united not only in a celebration of football but also in providing unique social and cultural cohesion. What a great message of peace, tolerance and inclusion. Infantino reiterated that football is globally played and the 2030 World Cup will spice up the competition and bring people together. “In 2030, we will have a unique global footprint, three continents – Africa, Europe and South America – six countries – Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay – welcoming and uniting the world while celebrating together the beautiful game, the centenary and the FIFA World Cup,” the FIFA President concluded. For Africa, it is a great news as the competition returns to the continent after two decades. The only African country to have previously hosted the World Cup was South Africa, in 2010.
