Vyacheslav Koloskov, honorary president of the Russian Football Union, criticized FIFA’s plan to hold the 2030 World Cup across six countries. He argued that the move would erode the sense of football community and make long-distance travel impractical for fans, noting that flying ten thousand kilometers for a single match is unreasonable. The remarks were carried by Match TV, reflecting a strong national response to the multi-host format.
Under the proposed schedule, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are set to host the tournament, while the opening matches would be staged in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. FIFA’s intention is to celebrate the centenary of the first World Cup, which was held on Uruguayan soil, by using a multi-country footprint for the 2030 edition. This plan has sparked wide debate among fans and pundits about logistics, fan experience, and the traditional single-host or co-host model that has characterized many past World Cups. — attributed to FIFA communications and media coverage.
The current world champions are Argentina, who clinched the title after defeating France in a penalty shootout in the final. This historic victory adds another layer of significance to the discussion about hosting formats as nations reflect on the balance between celebration and practicality in the sport’s pinnacle event. — attribution: FIFA and major sports media outlets.
Earlier in 2022, FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) suspended the participation of the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from competitions controlled by these bodies. During the suspension, the Russian team played only friendly matches, and in October it was announced that Russia would face Cameroon and Kenya as part of its scheduling. This context has influenced ongoing conversations about global tournaments, eligibility, and international competition among teams affected by sanction regimes. — attribution: FIFA/UEFA announcements and coverage from sports news services.
There were reports that FIFA would organize youth-team participation ahead of the world championship as part of broader development efforts. The evolving landscape surrounding boycotts, sanctions, and competitive opportunities continues to shape expectations for national programs and future youth pipelines in the sport. — attribution: FIFA policy statements and sports journalism summaries.