rewrite this title 2030 World Cup: What will six-country, three-continent tournament look like?

Fifa have confirmed that the centenery 2030 World Cup will take place in six different countries – and three separate continents.

European pair Spain and Portugal and neigbouring African country Moroccan were the host nations for the tournament by president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday.

But the opening three matches will be held in South America to celebrate 100 years since the first ever World Cup in 1930.

Here is all you need to know about the centenary World Cup.

Why are six countries hosting the 2030 World Cup?

South America quartet Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay submitted a joint bid to host the 2030 tournament in early 2023.

Spain and Portugal had already jointly bid in 2021, with Ukraine added as the third host nation the following year after they were invaded by Russia.

But due to concerns over safety due to the ongoing war, Ukraine was replaced by African nation Morocco – with the trio eventually named as the sole candidates for the bid.

But Fifa have still opted to feature some of the tournament in South America, due to the fact it is 100 years since the inagural World Cup, which was held in Uruguay when Conmebol was the only governing body.

A game each held in 1930 host country Uruguay, the home of winners that year Argentina and Paraguay, where Conmebol is based.

Introducing the hosts for the next two editions of the @FIFAWorldCup! 🏆

Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host in 2030, with centenary celebration matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Four years later, Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup 2034™. pic.twitter.com/WdOEdNEVxH

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) December 11, 2024

What stadiums are being used?

The official stadium list has not yet been confirmed but the official bid evaluation report contained 20 stadiums, split between the three co-hosts.

Spain are set to host the most matches after putting forward 11 stadiums, including Barcelona’s Camp Nou – which is currently being renovated to increase its capacity to 105,000 – and Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu.

Portugal will use three stadiums – Estadio Jose Alvalade, Estadio da Luz and Estadio do Dragao – the homes of Sporting CP, Benfica and Porto respectively.

Morocco has put forward six stadiums, five which are already in use and one new one set to be built in Casablanca.

What will the format be?

The tournament will be the second ever to feature 48 teams following the expansion of the tournament for 2026, having previously had 32 since 1992.

Teams will be split into 12 groups of four teams, with the top two and eight best third-placed teams progressing to an extra last-32 round.

A total of 104 games will be played across the tournament.

Fifa says the match schedule will be adjusted to give teams playing in the centenary games in South America sufficient time to travel and rest.

The tournament runs between June 8, with the final on July 21, 2030.

Who can qualify for the 2030 World Cup?

Morocco, Portugal and Spain – plus Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay – all qualify automatically for the tournament as host nations.

The qualification quota is yet to be confirmed but this is how the spots were allocated for the 2026 World Cup, which is also a 48-team tournament.