September 20 – The Republic of Ireland is joining forces with the four ‘home’ British nations to consider making a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup.
The FAI have confirmed that they will put their name forward for a feasibility study likely to be wrapped up by the end of January or early February.
Dublin is already hosting three group games and one round of 16 game at the as one of 12 EURO 2020 successful bidding cities.
“Following recent positive discussions amongst all parties it has been agreed that the Football Association of Ireland will join the English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish FAs in conducting a feasibility review into a potential joint bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup,” an FAI statement said.
The feasibility study will look at all aspects of hosting the tournament, from venues and training facilities to transportation and accommodation.
One unknown factor is that there is not yet any clear indication one way or another whether a successful bid would mean automatic qualification for each of the five host nations in what would be the second World Cup to accommodate 48 teams, after the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026.
A UK-Ireland 2030 bid would face strong competition from a likely South American triumvirate of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay and, possibly, a bid by Spain in tandem with Portugal and Morocco. There is also the option of five-time losers Morocco teaming up in a North African bid with Tunisia and Algeria.
The final vote on the host nation or nations is likely to take place ahead of the 2022 finals in Qatar.
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