FIFA has announced that three different continents will host matches that will be played during the 2030 World Cup.
In an unprecedented move, the governing body has revealed that as many as six countries will stage at least one fixture in the tournament.
European duo Spain and Portugal and African nation Morocco have officially been declared as the co-hosts for the competition.
However, in order to mark the 100-year anniversary of the first-ever World Cup, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will play their first fixtures on home territory in South America.
Uruguay were the host nation and winners of the inaugural tournament in 1930, coming from behind to record a 4-2 victory over Argentina in the final.
The opening three matches will be held in the aforementioned South American countries, starting at Estadio Centenario in Uruguay, but the opening ceremony will be held in one of Spain, Portugal or Morocco.
© Reuters
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "The FIFA Council agreed unanimously that the only bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 will be the joint bid of Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
"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.
"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 decision will still need to be ratified at a FIFA congress, scheduled to be held next year.
Notably, all six nations will be handed automatic places at the tournament, it yet to be determined how that will impact the qualifying processes in those respective continents.
The United Kingdom and Ireland are the sole bidder for Euro 2028, but all five nations involved in that bid are not expected to receive automatic entry.
Darren Plant
