FIFA boss Infantino proposes World Cup 2030 in Israel and neighboring countries – soccer

It is FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s (51) first visit to Israel – and the top soccer boss has a great idea for his hosts.

According to the Times of Israel newspaper, “Why can’t we dream of a World Cup in Israel and its neighbors?” Infantino said. The World Cup could be held in 2030 and should be led by the United Arab Emirates, with the office of Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett (49) confirming his proposal after a joint meeting with Infantino.

However: There are already more applicants for the tournament in nine years. South American countries Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile are also planning a joint application. Four British federations are also preparing a candidate to join with Ireland, as announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson (57) in the spring. Portugal and Spain have already officially registered their interest, and China is also considered a potential applicant.

The tournament is to be awarded in 2024. Following the World Cup in Qatar in the winter of 2022, the 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico for the first time with 48 countries. Recently, FIFA also brought the idea of ​​holding the World Cup every two years from 2028. For this, however, the union was heavily criticized, especially in Europe and South America.