Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his excitement after Portugal was confirmed as one of the co-hosts for the 2030 Men’s World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner called the unique tournament, spread across six nations, “the most special” World Cup yet.

A Historic Tournament

The 2030 World Cup will mark a historic first, with matches being played in six different countries. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will serve as the primary hosts, while Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will each stage one match to commemorate the centenary of the first-ever World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930.

Ronaldo, now 39, shared his joy in an Instagram post featuring a celebratory image of himself in Portugal’s jersey. The caption read: “A dream come true. Portugal will host the 2030 World Cup and make us proud. The Most Special World Cup ever.”

Although Ronaldo, the only player to have scored in five World Cups, is unlikely to feature as a player in 2030, his pride in Portugal’s achievement was clear.

Formal Approval

FIFA’s decision to approve the six-nation bid was largely a formality, confirmed during an online meeting on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia was also officially named as the host for the 2034 World Cup.

While reactions in Portugal and Spain were relatively subdued, South America celebrated the decision enthusiastically. Alejandro Domínguez, president of South American governing body CONMEBOL, described the announcement as a momentous occasion.

“FIFA decided to honour history. The World Cup returns home,” Domínguez said from CONMEBOL’s headquarters in Paraguay.

Honouring Football’s Legacy

“We are at home, on the continent that organised the first World Cup ever. The first World Cup was played in Uruguay, the first world champion nation, and now we also have the last World Cup champion, Argentina,” Domínguez added.

The unique format aims to bridge football’s rich history with its modern global reach, ensuring the centenary celebration honours its roots while uniting continents. With Portugal’s involvement, Ronaldo’s home nation will undoubtedly be at the heart of the global spectacle.