Chile Fumes as FIFA Snubs World Cup 2030 Bid, Favors Morocco-Spain-Portugal

Three opening matches of the 2030 World Cup will take place in Argentina (Buenos Aires), Uruguay (Montevideo) and Paraguay (Asuncion). Chile, which had submitted a joint bid alongside these three countries, was excluded by FIFA. The Chilean president does not hide his anger against the international body. "I regret that there are institutions that operate in such an unprofessional and surprising manner," Gabriel Boric said at a press conference on Wednesday. And to hammer home: "We will make sure to obtain all the rights that correspond to Chile, because we must not play with the national integrity and the name of Chile."

He also stated that he had spoken with the presidents of Paraguay and Argentina, who said they had not been informed of the FIFA decision before the announcement. The Chilean people are also dissatisfied with the body. "I think it’s bad because they don’t give value to Chilean football," said Abigail Rebolledo, a student from Santiago. And to add: "They should give (Chile) the same importance as these other countries, evaluate it and stick to the initial agreement."

FIFA has awarded the organization of the 2030 World Cup to the trio Morocco-Spain-Portugal. Thus, the competition will take place for the first time on three continents: Africa, Europe and South America.