100 years of the World Cup
Centenary matches
Before FIFA World Cup 2030 begins in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, three celebration matches are staged in South America to mark the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.
Why South America?
The first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930. Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 in the final at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. To mark the 100th anniversary, FIFA returns to these nations for centenary celebration matches before the main tournament begins.
The Estadio Centenario — Montevideo
The most historically significant match. The Estadio Centenario was built in 1930 for the first World Cup and is a FIFA Heritage Site. The centenary match here is the most emotionally resonant fixture of the entire 2030 tournament — a stadium that houses the Museo del Fútbol with original 1930 tournament artefacts.
Estadio Monumental — Buenos Aires
River Plate's 84,567-seat ground hosts the Argentine centenary match. The prospect of attending a World Cup match in Buenos Aires draws from a century of the world's most passionate football culture.
Estadio Defensores del Chaco — Asunción
Paraguay's first ever World Cup fixture. The smallest venue of the centenary matches, but potentially the most intense crowd per person of any FIFA 2030 match. Paraguay hosts in recognition of being home to CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation.
Combining all three centenary matches
Buenos Aires → Montevideo is a 2-hour Buquebus ferry. Buenos Aires → Asunción is a 1.5-hour flight. Doing all three South American centenary matches is achievable within 7–10 days, before flying on to Spain or Morocco for the group stage.
Tickets and packages
Centenary match tickets will be part of the FIFA official ticket process alongside all other fixtures. RibbonsXP South America packages can be built around the centenary matches — request a quote with your preferred cities and we build the itinerary.
Interested in the centenary matches?
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