The 2030 World Cup
The 2026 tournament is done, and attention turns to a landmark edition: the 2030 World Cup marks 100 years since the first, and will be staged across three continents. Here is everything known so far, from hosts and dates to the debate over expanding to 64 teams.
Countdown to kickoff (estimated)
Summer 2030
Estimated opening June 13, 2030. Exact dates to be confirmed by FIFA.
The hosts
Main hosts
Spain
Portugal
MoroccoCentenary opening matches
Uruguay
Argentina
ParaguayMarking 100 years since the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930.
How many teams? 48 vs 64
The confirmed format is 48 teams, as in 2026. A one-off expansion to 64 for the centenary has been proposed and is under review. Toggle to compare.
48 teams is the confirmed baseline, the same format used at the 2026 World Cup: 12 groups of four, with a 104-match schedule running through a Round of 32. This is what qualifying is currently being planned around.
48
Teams
104
Matches
12
Groups
Key dates and milestones
December 11, 2024
FIFA Congress ratified Spain, Portugal and Morocco as the main 2030 hosts, with three centenary opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
March 1, 2025
CONMEBOL floated a one-off expansion to 64 teams to mark 100 years of the World Cup. FIFA agreed to examine it; UEFA and CONCACAF voiced opposition.
September 1, 2027
Regional qualifying campaigns are expected to get under way across the confederations. Exact windows to be confirmed.
December 1, 2029
The group-stage draw is expected in late 2029, once qualifying concludes and the format is locked in.
June 13, 2030
The tournament is expected to open with celebration matches in South America (starting at Montevideo's Estadio Centenario) before the main event across Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
July 14, 2030
The 2030 World Cup final is expected in mid-July, most likely in Spain. Venue to be confirmed.
Dates marked "expected" are estimates and not yet officially confirmed by FIFA. This page is reviewed monthly and updated as real news lands.
Looking back instead? Relive the 2026 tournament in the 2026 World Cup, wrapped, or see where all 48 teams finished.