Ukraine and Poland are in discussions to submit a joint bid to host the men's FIFA World Cup, according to Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi.
Speaking to news outlet Politico, Bidnyi said that 2040 is currently the earliest available date on the global tournament calendar for a new host nation.
Bidnyi noted that Spain, Portugal and Morocco are scheduled to host the 2030 tournament, while Saudi Arabia is set to serve as the sole host in 2034. He said that repeating the successful cohosting model of Euro 2012 would be logical, adding that organizers need to plan for the prospective bid right now.
Poland and Ukraine previously partnered to organize the 2012 UEFA European Championship, a major international tournament that featured matches across eight host cities in the two countries. The quadrennial competition was the largest sporting event ever cohosted by the neighboring nations.
Challenges and infrastructure costs
Politico reported that the context of a prospective joint World Cup would differ significantly from the 2012 tournament due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine currently requires nearly 588 billion dollars for reconstruction and infrastructure recovery following damages caused by the war. That estimated amount is almost three times the country's projected nominal gross domestic product for 2025.
The report also highlighted that Donbas Arena, one of Ukraine's largest sports venues, remains under occupation. Located in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, the stadium previously hosted five matches during the Euro 2021 tournament.
Diplomatic tensions and conditions
Cooperation between Ukraine and Poland comes amid rising bilateral tension over historical memory. The conflict escalated after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renamed a military unit in honor of Ukrainian Insurgent Army heroes. In response, Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskyy of Poland's highest state award.
Vasyl Mokan, a Ukrainian member of parliament and deputy chairman of the Committee on Youth and Sports, commented that a joint bid would be much more than a major sporting event. He said it would serve as a powerful symbol of European solidarity with Ukraine.
However, Mokan emphasized that key conditions must be established before hosting could take place. He stated that an end to the war in Ukraine, a just and lasting peace, and reliable long term security guarantees are essential requirements.
Mokan said that without those conditions, discussing a World Cup in Ukraine would be premature. He added that the success of any bid will depend on security conditions, infrastructure development, and the official FIFA application process.
National team transfers
In separate football developments, one of the key leaders of the Ukrainian national team has changed clubs in England. Winger Mykhailo Mudryk has moved on loan from Chelsea to Tottenham in a transfer deal running through the end of the 2026/27 season.
