December 13 – Despite UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin’s preference for one sole bid from Europe, a Balkan grouping of countries hoping to stage the 2030 World Cup say they have just as realistic a chance as anyone else.
A South American bid involving Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay has already been announced to mark the centenary of the tournament and is the bookies’ favourite at this early stage. Morocco, which has made five unsuccessful bids to host the tournament including for 2026, has confirmed it is trying again for 2030 and could be joined by Algeria and Tunisia, or by Portugal and Spain.
The English Football Association is also undergoing a feasibility study into a joint bid with Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
A Balkan bid featuring Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia and Romania would be the least likely contender right now but Bulgaria’s Sports Minister Krasen Kralev thinks it could happen even though other European countries might have to drop their interest.
“Оur bid is completely realistic, we are aware that we have to meet a number of FIFA criteria,” Kralev told Reuters. “Let us remind you that Russia also began building the necessary sports infrastructure after being named host of the 2018 World Cup.”
Interestingly, according to Reuters, the Balkan quartet will attempt first to land the European championship in 2028.
The four countries are to discuss their collaboration in Belgrade on December 21-22 and Kralev added: “The joint bid is an important political sign. It shows that the Balkan countries will work together not only in the field of sport but will jointly stand up for their common political and economic interests.
“This is what FIFA is looking for – a political and economic stability. This is the most important thing after the infrastructure.”
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