When is the next FIFA World Cup?
The next FIFA World Cup is in 2030, hosted mainly by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will host one opening match each to mark the centenary.
FIFA confirmed the 2030 hosts in December 2024. Most matches will be played in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, making it the first World Cup held on two continents, Europe and Africa. The three South American matches celebrate 100 years since the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930.
The 2030 tournament is expected to keep the 48-team format introduced in 2026. Morocco will become the second African country to host matches, after South Africa in 2010.
After 2030
In the same decision, FIFA awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. The most recent tournament, in 2026, was hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and won by Spain.
Qualifying for the tournament usually takes about two years and involves more than 200 national teams. The host nations normally qualify automatically.
Did You Know?
The World Cup is held every four years. The 1942 and 1946 tournaments were cancelled because of World War II.