Morocco, Spain and Portugal to host 2030 World Cup - but three matches in South America

However, the opening three matches of the tournament will take place in South America to celebrate 100 years since the inaugural tournament, which was held in Uruguay.

That is according to The Athletic, who have stated that Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will kick off the competition.

It has been said that a South American bid had been put forward to host the World Cup.

But reports have claimed that Uruguay, who won the first World Cup in 1930, along with Argentina and Paraguay will all play their opening match on home soil.

Uruguay beat Argentina in the first World Cup final, while the headquarters of South America's governing body [CONMEBOL] are based in Paraguay.

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After the three matches are played, the South American nations - and their opponents - will then travel to Portugal, Morocco and Spain for the remainder of the tournament.

It will be the first time in World Cup history that the global competition will take place across three continents.

And it is also the first World Cup that will be played in six different countries.

The upcoming World Cup in 2026 - hosted by America, Canada and Mexico - will be the only other tournament to be staged by more than two nations.

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Despite the World Cup starting in South America, The Athletic state that the opening ceremony will still take place in either Morocco, Spain or Portugal.

It will be the second time that Spain will have hosted the World Cup after the 1982 edition, which was won by Italy.

Portugal, who were overlooked by FIFA to host the World Cup in 2018 and 2022 alongside Spain, will host for the first time.

And it will also be Morocco's first time hosting after being unsuccessful five times - in 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010 and 2026.

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