English Section
Follow us on Google

Follow us on Google to get our latest news at the top of your search results

Ukraine says joint World Cup bid with Poland is under consideration

04.09.2026 15:00
Ukraine's sports minister says his country and Poland are weighing a joint bid to host the World Cup, with 2038 emerging as the earliest feasible year for the tournament.
FILE PHOTO: Two Ukrainian men hold the national flag next to the UEFA Euro 2012 Cup as it is displayed on a stage in Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 12, 2012. Kyiv was one of four host cities in Ukraine for the 2012 European football championships, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine.
FILE PHOTO: Two Ukrainian men hold the national flag next to the UEFA Euro 2012 Cup as it is displayed on a stage in Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 12, 2012. Kyiv was one of four host cities in Ukraine for the 2012 European football championships, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine.EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi disclosed the plan in an interview with the Politico news service, saying Polish officials were also studying the idea.

No official announcement or formal bid process has been launched.

The timeline stems from scheduling: the 2030 tournament is already set for Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and Saudi Arabia will host in 2034, leaving 2038 as the next available slot.

Bidnyi pointed to Poland and Ukraine's joint hosting of Euro 2012 as a template for cooperation.

"It would be logical to replicate that successful case," he said.

Any bid, however, would have to wait until after the war with Russia ends and reconstruction is underway, given the extensive damage across Ukraine.

Complicating matters further is the Donbas Arena in Donetsk, a Euro 2012 venue now in separatist-controlled territory and damaged by shelling.

Bidnyi said the setbacks have not dampened Ukraine's sporting ambitions.

"We will work on this ... We remain a country that strives for the greatest sporting achievements. It's part of our national culture, and we want to develop it despite all these difficulties," he said.

Vasyl Mokan, deputy head of Ukraine's parliamentary Youth and Sports Committee, said lawmakers have not been briefed on any talks over a joint bid, though he called the concept "convincing and full of potential."

He said hosting rights should hinge on a just, lasting peace and firm long-term security guarantees.

Poland's sports ministry has denied holding talks with Ukraine about a joint bid to host a future FIFA World Cup, Polish international broadcaster TVP World reported.

(jh/gs)

Source: Polish Radio