The governments and football federations of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile officially launched their bid to host the 2030 World Cup on Tuesday in Buenos Aires, coinciding with the centenary of the first World Cup in Montevideo.
"We are convinced that FIFA has the obligation to honor the memory of those who organized the first World Cup," said Alejandro Domínguez, the president of Conmebol, at an event in the premises of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in Ezeiza, 20 km south of the capital.
Uruguay was the first world champion, defeating Argentina 4-2 in the final at the then brand-new Centenario Stadium in Montevideo. Argentina is the current champion, having defeated France (3-3 draw and 4-2 in penalties) in the final of Qatar 2022.
Who are Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile competing against?
Other candidates in the race to host the 2030 World Cup include Spain-Portugal (with an invitation to Ukraine), Morocco, and Saudi Arabia-Egypt-Greece.
The next World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The number of participants will increase from the current 32 to 48 teams starting from the group stage.