Football
ESPN staff 6y

Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay planning joint bid for 2030 World Cup

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay say they will make a joint bid to host football's centenary World Cup in 2030.

The presidents of the three South American countries made the announcement Wednesday at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires. Bidding is not due to open for at least another four years, but the nations are already expected to face stiff competition.

Argentina and Uruguay signalled their intention to launch a joint bid back in July, with Paraguay's addition strengthening their case.

The 2030 World Cup will be the centenary edition, with Uruguay having hosted the inaugural tournament in 1930.

"Today we are here to ratify this commitment,'' Argentinian president Mauricio Macri said. "We have spoken to the president of FIFA and we will have the support of [South American Football Confederation] CONMEBOL, which believes South America deserves the possibility of hosting this World Cup because of the significance of the 100 year anniversary of the first edition in Uruguay.''

Uruguay president Tabare Vazquez added: "I celebrate the communion of our three countries, deeply committed to football, in agreeing a joint bid to host this World Cup. We are convinced and I can say on behalf of the three countries that are committed to comply with the demands that FIFA has for the realisation of a World Cup.''

Paraguay president Horacio Cartes said the significance of the 100-year anniversary of the first World Cup should help the bid.

"I think the argument of the 100-year anniversary of the first World Cup held in Uruguay makes it very attractive for the region to organise the tournament,'' he said.

China reportedly has an interest in bidding to host the 2030 edition, while European nations will once again be eligible under FIFA's rotating system.

Earlier on Wednesday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino had spoken after a visit to the AFA's Buenos Aires office.

"It is an honour and a pleasure to be here, in the home of Argentinian football," he said.

"It is a great emotion to be in a country and in a city that wrote many of the most exciting pages, not only of the history of football, but also its myth. Argentina has contributed to making football what it is today."

A three-way bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico is favored to host the 2026 World Cup.

The Associated Press and Press Association contributed to this report.

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