Santiago, November 12 (BNA): Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay confirmed a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup when government officials signed documents in Santiago for submission to FIFA.
“This is the first legal step that we have to take to make an offer in FIFA,” said Pablo Milad, president of the Chilean Football Association.
The four countries want to celebrate the centenary of the World Cup where it began. Uruguay hosted the first tournament in 1930 with 13 teams participating. Uruguay also won the first title after beating Argentina 4-2 in the final, according to the Associated Press.
South American bidders are planning to field 18 stadiums, including Uruguay’s Centenario, the site of the first World Cup final.
“We have a deficit in infrastructure in South America compared to Europe,” Milad said. “But that will not be an obstacle for us to work from now on to improve.”
Chilean Sports Minister Alejandra Benado said representatives of the four countries will meet in Argentina within 90 days to choose a permanent board of directors for the joint bid.
The United States, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA will make a decision on the 3030 host in 2024.