Spain and Portugal considering 2030 World Cup bid

"After several meetings during the last few weeks, the Spanish (RFEF) and Portuguese football federations confirm that they will begin a deep process of analysis on the possibility of presenting a joint candidacy to host the 2030 World Cup", reads the RFEF statement.

In addition, "both federations want to take the opportunity to communicate that the governments of both countries are conveniently informed about the process, as they will be a fundamental part of its development".

If the two are successful in their bid, it would be the second time that a World Cup has been hosted in Spain. The tournament took place in Spain in 1982 when Italy were crowned champions, although the 2030 edition would be the first to be hosted on Portuguese soil.

The idea of a joint candidacy is something that the RFEF have been weighing up for several months, having first considered whether or not it would be better to apply to host the tournament alone. 

However, the Iberian bid may not be the only joint candidacy for the tournament. The United Kingdom, along with Ireland and with the backing of UEFA president Aleksandr Ceferin, are also considering launching a bid to host the competition.

On the other side of the world, a combination of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay could be an option. If they were to be successful, it would mean the return of the World Cup to Uruguay nearly 100 years after the country hosted the first ever edition.

June 8, 2019