The race for hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup is heating up, with new contenders officially announcing their candidacy. And as per reports, Ukraine is preparing to throw its hat in the ring as well. The European nation will reportedly join Spain, Portugal, and Morocco’s joint bid to host the competition.
The subject of hosting rights has attracted plenty of speculation. While the USA, Mexico, and Canada are all set to lay out the red carpet for the 2024 edition, the hosts for 2030 will be decided at a future date. Numerous nations have reportedly shown interest in taking up the mantle. For instance, Saudi Arabia had were strongly linked with a potential bid.
🚨 Ukraine will join Spain, Portugal and Morocco’s joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup. 🇺🇦🇪🇸🇵🇹🇲🇦
FIFA will make a final decision on the World Cup host countries in September 2024.
(Source: @lequipe) pic.twitter.com/AUJbGdDcod
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 6, 2023
The Gulf Nation was said to be preparing a bid in collaboration with Egypt and Greece. However, recent reports have indicated a change of heart from the Saudis, who have apparently ruled out competing with European Nations. With plenty of time left to send in their bids, multiple countries have opted to team up to reinforce their chances.
This includes the likes of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, who have apparently formed a joint bid. Moreover, the inclusion of Ukraine in their bid looks to be in the offing. The news emerged through a report by Lequipe, stating that Ukraine will indeed join them as co-hosts.
These guys are supposed to be in a war and they have time for World Cup bids https://t.co/TLOlNVx6dA
— Nucky Thompson (@prospectmelv) July 6, 2023
Wingers running up the wing and stepping on a landmine during the Euros 💀 https://t.co/lDsjWKfE7S
— LFCJ (@Ifcj__) July 6, 2023
will ukraine even exist in 2030 or is russia gonna be hosting again https://t.co/fuBWS1qsyj
— MK (@jimikitchenz) July 6, 2023
What kind of war is your country in that you are thinking about hosting the World Cup https://t.co/k7nqEqxGeL
— no name (@pradaice) July 6, 2023
No money to defend the country but enough to bid for WC 😭 https://t.co/hzOYC9mcPS
— Haktan (@ReadTGre) July 6, 2023
The nation’s decision to do so has surprised many fans, owing to their ongoing conflict with Russia. Besides this, fans online were also dubious about their financial capabilities, as hosting a World Cup costs a handsome amount.
Other potential hosts for the 2030 FIFA World Cup
Even with Ukraine’s involvement, the bid will face some stern competition from the South American contingent of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. The nations are filled with Soccer heritage, and they certainly have adequate facilities to host a World Cup. Additionally, the sense of occasion also favors them heavily.
OFFICIAL: Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay launch a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup
It would mean the World Cup celebrates its 100th anniversary in Uruguay, where the first tournament was held 🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/YKckEClJFz
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 7, 2023
The very first World Cup, organized in 1930, was held in Uruguay. The 2030 edition will mark a century since the first tournament, and as such, it only makes sense for the competition to return to its roots. FIFA will confirm the winning bid in September 2024.
