The FIFA World Cup for 2023 is going to be unlike anything we’ve seen before, spanning three continents and six countries. And the competition is going to be longer.
With 48 teams, the first matches of the tournament will be held in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, while the rest of the tournament will take place in Portugal, Morocco, and Spain.
The schedule is so hectic that FIFA is considering extending the World Cup, making it last for five and a half weeks instead of four. Here’s what the proposed schedule might look like:
According to FIFA, the schedule will be specifically adapted to allow teams participating in commemorative matches to have extra days for travel, recovery, acclimatization, and preparation for their next matches. It is estimated to provide around 11-12 days for the six teams playing in South America to travel and recover, and about 5-6 days for the other six teams in these groups and all other participating teams.
– Saturday-Sunday, June 8-9, 2030: Centennial celebration ceremony and the first matches of Uruguay (in Montevideo), Argentina (at home), and Paraguay (at home).
– Thursday-Friday, June 13-14, 2030: Ceremony and opening match(es) of the 2030 World Cup.
– Saturday-Sunday, June 15-16, 2030: First matches of the other teams in the groups of Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
– Friday-Saturday, June 21-22, 2030: Second matches of all teams in the groups of Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
– Saturday, July 21, 2030: FIFA World Cup 2030 final.