The Next World Cup Soccer Locations for 2026 and 2030

by Amelia Walker, April 05, 2023

• Next World Cup Soccer Locations
• The Next FIFA World Cup Locations
• Where is the 2026 World Cup?
• Where is the 2030 World Cup?
• The Bidding Process Explained
• FIFA’s Bid Regulations
• Which Teams Automatically Qualify?
• How Do Other Teams Qualify?
• Past World Cup Locations

The next World Cup soccer location has already been decided. But did you know there are already contenders for the 2030 World Cup? Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of soccer’s most prestigious event, exploring countries that will host future World Cups, how the World Cup bidding process works, and more.

Next World Cup Soccer Locations

Today’s post will outline the future FIFA World Cup host countries, offering insights into the bidding process, infrastructure development, and cultural aspects of each location. We will also discuss potential impacts on local economies and the environment, while providing an overview of the teams participating and their preparations.

The Next FIFA World Cup Locations

The next World Cup locations may surprise you; in fact, the 2026 World Cup isn’t limited to just one country, as you’ll soon see. We’ll talk about this – and much more – in just a moment. But firstly, if you’re looking to bet on the World Cup or soccer in general, check out our recommended sportsbooks with soccer markets.

2026: Canada, Mexico, and the US

In 2026, the world will witness an extraordinary milestone in the history of the FIFA World Cup, as three nations jointly host the tournament for the first time. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will come together to create an unforgettable experience for soccer fans worldwide.

Spanning North America, the 2026 World Cup will take place across an array of exceptional venues, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and dynamic urban landscapes of the host countries. The tournament will feature 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32, making it the largest World Cup in history. This expansion ensures an even more thrilling and competitive event, capturing the attention of millions of fans around the globe.

The United States will play host to the lion’s share of matches, with 60 of the 80 games scheduled to take place in various cities across the country. Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico will host 10 matches each, offering a taste of their own vibrant soccer cultures.

The selection of cities and stadiums reflects the organizers’ commitment to delivering an unparalleled experience for both players and spectators, with state-of-the-art facilities and world-class amenities.

As the clock ticks down to the opening match, anticipation is mounting for what promises to be an extraordinary celebration of soccer. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will not only unite the host nations but also bring together people from all corners of the globe, transcending borders and cultural differences in the name of the beautiful game.

2030: Several Bids Being Considered

Although the official decision for the 2030 FIFA World Cup host is yet to be announced, several potential bids have emerged, sparking excitement and speculation among soccer fans worldwide. The 2030 edition will mark the centennial celebration of the tournament, and many countries are eager to showcase their passion for the beautiful game on this historic occasion.

One notable bid comes from a quartet of South American nations – Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile – aiming to bring the World Cup back to where it all began. This proposal holds special significance, as Uruguay hosted the inaugural tournament in 1930. The joint bid, if successful, would spotlight the rich soccer heritage and diverse landscapes across these four countries.

Another strong contender is a joint bid from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, capitalizing on the soccer-crazed culture and state-of-the-art stadiums in the region. Hosting the centennial World Cup would emphasize the UK’s historical contribution to the sport.

In addition, there has been talk of a potential bid from Spain and Portugal, plus Ukraine and Morocco have also made bids. However, it’s highly unlikely we’ll see the event held in Ukraine, given that they’re currently in the midst of a Russian invasion. The final decision is expected to be made in 2024.

The Bidding Process Explained

When it comes to future World Cup locations, there’s a lot more that goes into the bidding process than you may think. The process to determine the host country for the FIFA World Cup is both intricate and competitive, involving several crucial stages.

It begins with FIFA’s invitation to associations to express their interest in hosting the prestigious event. Countries eager to showcase their passion for soccer and demonstrate their organizational capabilities respond by submitting their intent to bid.

Upon receiving these initial expressions of interest, FIFA evaluates each prospective host’s infrastructure, stadiums, accommodation, transportation, and other essential factors.

This evaluation helps to ensure that the host nation possesses the required resources to successfully stage the tournament. The shortlisted countries then embark on the journey of preparing comprehensive bid books, detailing their plans and strategies for hosting the event.

These bid books undergo rigorous scrutiny by FIFA, as they assess various aspects, such as the host’s sustainability, environmental impact, and security measures. FIFA may also conduct site inspections to gather firsthand information on the proposed venues and facilities. Following the evaluations, the FIFA Council votes to select the winner, ultimately deciding the World Cup’s host country.

FIFA’s Bid Regulations

To ensure fairness and transparency in the bidding process, FIFA has established a set of regulations that govern the selection of World Cup host countries. These rules serve as guidelines for countries interested in hosting the tournament, outlining the minimum requirements and expectations.

FIFA’s bid regulations encompass aspects such as stadium capacity, infrastructure, safety and security, accommodation, and transportation. Bidding nations must demonstrate their ability to provide suitable venues that meet international standards for players, officials, and spectators.

Additionally, they must guarantee adequate transportation and accommodation for the influx of visitors during the event. The regulations also emphasize sustainability, as FIFA requires potential hosts to consider the environmental impact of their plans and adopt measures to minimize negative effects.

This may include incorporating eco-friendly technologies, reducing waste, and promoting responsible resource usage. Bidding countries must also ensure adherence to international human rights standards and labor laws throughout the event’s organization – which is why the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was so controversial.

Which Teams Automatically Qualify?

The nation who’ll be holding the upcoming World Cup has a unique advantage. In the FIFA World Cup, there are specific rules regarding which teams receive automatic qualification. Traditionally, the host country automatically qualifies for the competition, ensuring that the home crowd has a team to support and cheer for during the event.

It used to be the case that World Cup champions also automatically qualified for the next World Cup, but this rule is no longer in effect. This means that Argentina will have to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

How Do All Other Teams Qualify?

The process of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup varies by region, as each of the six FIFA confederations holds its own qualification tournament. These confederations are the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF), Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol (CONMEBOL), Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

Teams from each confederation compete in a series of matches, depending on the specific regional format, to earn a place in the World Cup. The number of spots allocated to each confederation depends on factors such as the strength of teams in the region and historical performance. FIFA periodically reviews and adjusts the allocation of slots for each confederation.

The qualification process generally takes place over a couple of years, with teams battling it out in a series of matches that often include round-robin and knockout stages.

This prolonged and competitive journey ensures that only the most deserving teams secure their place in the prestigious World Cup, setting the stage for a thrilling and high-quality tournament.

Past World Cup Locations

Past World Cup locations are diverse, and the prestigious event has taken place all around the world. In the table below, you’ll be able to view the array of host countries that have provided the stage for unforgettable soccer moments over the last four decades.