France is considering a joint bid to host the 2038 World Cup, French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo has confirmed.
Diallo discussed the possibility in an interview with French newspaper Ouest-France, with a potential partnership with Germany among the options being considered.
France has not hosted the men’s World Cup since 1998. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams has increased speculation that the two countries could submit a combined proposal.
“Our relations with the German Football Association are excellent,” Diallo said. “It would be a wonderful symbol of bringing a new spirit to European international football, and indeed to the entire continent.”
Diallo also suggested that a third European country could become part of the hosting proposal, although he stressed that the plans remained at an early stage.
“We have started to develop some ideas, but these are extremely complex projects,” he said. “They would, of course, require the support of the public authorities and, in our case, the support of the French government.”
Any formal French campaign to host the 2038 tournament will depend on the country’s political situation after the French presidential election in 2027, according to Diallo.
No official bid has yet been confirmed. The French federation’s comments indicate that discussions are taking place, but any joint project would require government backing and further agreement between the countries involved.