The 2030 FIFA World Cup is set to be one of the most unusual tournaments in the competition’s history. FIFA’s centenary edition will be played across six countries and three continents, giving the event a global footprint unlike previous World Cups.

Under the planned format, the tournament will begin with opening matches in South America. After that, the competition will shift to its main host nations in Europe and Africa, creating a multi-continent schedule that reflects the symbolic importance of the 2030 edition.

The structure is designed to celebrate 100 years of the men’s World Cup while still keeping the bulk of the tournament centered in its primary host regions. That means fans can expect a competition that starts with a historic nod to South America before moving into the larger main stage elsewhere.

While the headline focus is on the hosts, dates and format, the biggest takeaway is that the 2030 World Cup will break from the traditional single-region model. With matches spread across three continents, it is shaping up as a landmark event in FIFA history.