Spain and Portugal and are set to launch a joint bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Few weeks ago, Saudi Arabia’s potential bid for the World Cup in the Middle East was reported. Saudi Arabia will be following the steps of Qatar as the country gears up for the 2022 World Cup. It is also reported that UK and Ireland are also strongly considering bidding for the event, with the UK government providing aid of £2.8 million to support the World Cup bid.
Spain’s RFEF and Portuguese Football Federation mutually decided for the bid at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, where a friendly match between Spain and Portugal was played on Friday. This meeting was held in the presence of King Felipe VI of Spain and the Portuguese president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the wish of both countries to host the tournament.
“The governments of Spain and Portugal wish to express their desire and commitment to host the 2030 World Cup.”
President of the RFEF, Luis Rubiales also said, “A message to the national federations: if you give us your trust, when you come to our countries you are going to find an unforgettable experience.”
It was previously reported that the Iberian bid involving Morocco could be proposed, but Spain and Portugal decided to submit bids as dual hosts. The 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan is the only edition that had joint hosts. However, FIFA has given the green light to US, Canada, and Mexico to become the joint hosts for the 2026 World Cup.
The race for the hosts for the 2030 edition is on as several other bidders planning to show their proposals. The interested countries include the joint bid from Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia. Meanwhile, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay are also planning to bring the World Cup to South America. The 2030 World Cup will mark the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup and the official host will be selected by 2024.