It is common knowledge that for many years, the process for selecting host nations was flawed. Voting was increasingly not about what was fair or even good for the game, but was politically and strategically led.
In that environment, nations that lacked sufficient influence were left in the cold. FIFA had an unfair system, the sort that self serving humans specialise in. The unevenness of it all is seen in the history shown below. While some effort has been made to address the way hosting rights are granted, underlying negative issues of how such decisions are made remain.
The yellow side below shows the year the tournament was - or will be - held, the number of participating countries, and the host or hosts. The 2030 WC will also feature Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, who will each hold opening celebration matches to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.
The 2034 event is already earmarked for Asia, with Saudi Arabia as the host nation. It will not be shared, which is surprising, considering 48 nations will be participating. Several new stadiums will be built to accommodate the number of teams involved.
The blue side shows the inequality starkly. Mexico first hosted in 1970 and has now done so on three occasions. The USA is a twice holder since 1994 and Spain will soon become a second time host, the first time in 1982.
It's good to see more recently many first time nations, from Portugal down to Russia. On the negative side, Argentina (not since 1978) and England - inexplicably back at 1966 - have been overlooked. Those before them are smaller nations that could at best piggyback on larger hosts.
England, Netherlands and Scotland would be a good mix. Close proximity, two that have never hosted before and one that is well overdue. Am I holding my breath? No. Some negative issues remain.
