France and Germany Consider Joint Bid to Host 2038 FIFA World Cup

French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari has expressed strong support for a potential joint bid by France and Germany to host the 2038 FIFA World Cup. While no formal candidacy has yet been submitted, Ferrari highlighted France's solid infrastructure and extensive experience in managing major international sporting events as key assets for such an ambition. She stated that it is now up to the sports federations to put forward their proposals.

The 2038 World Cup would be particularly symbolic for France, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the nation’s first World Cup victory in 1998, as well as marking 20 years since their second title in 2018. Ferrari emphasized the significance of hosting international events for the larger sports economy, noting that France’s expertise has grown substantially, especially following the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics and recent successes like Euro 2016.

The idea of Franco-German collaboration in hosting major sports events is further underscored by the scheduled co-hosting of the 2029 Handball World Cup. Ferrari believes this partnership between the two countries can bring positive synergies to international sports.

Looking ahead, the 2030 FIFA World Cup will be divided between six nations in South America, while Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 tournament as the only candidate. France and Germany’s prospective bid for 2038 aims to build on this international sporting momentum.

"It is up to the federations to make requests and put themselves forward as candidates," Ferrari explained, signaling that strategic discussions continue to develop behind the scenes. She remains confident that France is well-prepared to both attract and successfully organize a global event of such magnitude, leveraging the expertise gained through various large-scale sporting competitions.

In summary, the possibility of a joint Franco-German World Cup bid reflects ongoing ambition and cooperation within European sports, with France poised as a capable and eager host should the federations proceed with an official candidacy.