The match schedule of the FIFA World Cup 2030 will be uniquely adapted to provide additional and adequate days between matches for the teams involved in the centenary celebratory matches to travel, rest, adapt and prepare. The intended schedule will provide approximately 11 to 12 days for travel and rest before the second game of the six teams playing in South America, with approximately five to six days for travel and rest for the remaining six group opponents, and all other participating teams. The three matches played in South America will be brought forward to a few days before the official opening matches of the FIFA World Cup, which will be played in Morocco, Portugal and Spain. The below summary illustrates the relevant dates of how this could be achieved.
- Saturday and Sunday, 8 and 9 June 2030: centenary celebration ceremony and first matches of Uruguay in Montevideo, Argentina at home and Paraguay at home
- Thursday and Friday, 13 and 14 June 2030: opening ceremony and opening game(s) of the FIFA World Cup 2030
- Saturday and Sunday, 15 and 16 June 2030: first matches of the other teams in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay’s respective groups
- Friday and Saturday, 21 and 22 June 2030: second matches of all the teams in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay’s respective groups
- Sunday, 21 July 2030: final of the FIFA World Cup 2030
The required adjustments to the match schedule will all be achieved within the framework of the existing International Match Calendar, with the total release period remaining unchanged compared to the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Consequently, there would be no additional days required to the status quo, with no additional burden on any participating teams, players or their domestic clubs. Additionally, the same exceptions to the overall total release period for the FIFA World Cup 2026 for those players competing in the finals of confederation club competitions will also apply.
In terms of increased travel for fans, the FIFA World Cup is nothing without them. The World Cup is a global event and holding three games in South America will also offer supporters in that region who would not have the opportunity to travel to Europe and/or Africa the chance to attend tournament matches, with half of their confederation’s teams playing at home.