With Spain and Portugal
Ukraine officially involved in World Cup bid
10/06/2022 01:07 am
What was expected is now official: together with Spain and Portugal, Ukraine is applying to host the 2030 World Cup.
As expected, Ukraine will be included in the joint bid by Spain and Portugal for the 2030 World Cup. This was announced by the presidents of the three national associations in Nyon, Switzerland. The country, shaken by the Russian war of aggression, hosted the EM finals together with Poland in 2012.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyj praised the decision as a great success for his country. “The application is more than a symbol of belief in our common victory,” he wrote on Twitter. “Thanks to the solidarity of its partners, Ukraine will endure, assert itself and be rebuilt”. He is grateful for the support.
Spain also has high hopes for the decision. “The project aims to be a source of inspiration for society through football, sending a message of solidarity and hope,” RFEF wrote in a statement. Accordingly, the application with Ukraine as a possible co-host is supported by the European Football Union (UEFA).
“For the recovery of the country during the reconstruction period”
Ukraine’s association president reacted with emotion. The European football family acted “united like never before,” said Andriy Pavelko: “I thank all friendly associations on behalf of thousands of little players – girls and boys from Mariupol, Kharkiv, Kherson, Irpin, Bucha and many other cities that one subjected to barbaric military aggression.”
Conditions for Ukraine’s participation in the bid will be determined at a later date. With immediate effect, representatives of the Ukrainian side are also members of the preparatory coordination committee. “The example of tenacity and resilience of the Ukrainian people is inspiring, so this initiative aims to help the country recover during the reconstruction period through the power of football,” it said.
In addition to Spain, Portugal and Ukraine, however, there are other contenders to host the World Cup in eight years. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Greece want to apply together. 100 years after the first World Cup in 1930 in the country of the two-time world champion, Uruguay would also like to bring the tournament back to South America together with Argentina, Chile and Paraguay.
The world association FIFA wants to award the World Cup at its 74th Congress in 2024. After the finals in Qatar (20 November to 18 December), the 2026 tournament will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Then, for the first time, 48 teams will take part in the World Cup.