FOOTBALL – Spain and Portugal seem to be the only seriously interested European countries in hosting the 2030 World Cup. The last time the countries jointly applied to host the World Cup was in 2018, but Russia was ultimately chosen. In 2022, Qatar will host and the 2026 World Cup will be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Within Europe, Spain and Portugal are currently the only interested parties. The presidents Luis Rubiales of the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) and Fernando Gomes of the Federación Portuguesa (FPF) have already signed the official candidacy for the 2030 World Cup in October 2020.
United Kingdom and Ireland go for European Championship 2028
The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and Ireland also seemed interested. However, after the results of a feasibility study, they decided to withdraw from the 2030 World Cup. Consequently, in an official statement, the football associations concerned announced they will apply to host the European Championship in 2028. ‘This offers a similar return on investment as a World Cup, the European tournament involves much lower costs and offers the opportunity to realise profits more quickly,’ the countries state in the statement.
Competition from South America?
Furthermore, this means that Spain and Portugal are so far the only European candidates to host the 2030 World Cup. So far, only these two EU countries have shown interest in organising the sporting event, in addition to the South American alliance consisting of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chile.
Little opposition expected
Furthermore, all indications are that there will not be many opponents to the Iberian option. The deadline for submitting bids is next March and the hosts will be named in September 2023.
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