UK Aims for 2042 Men's World Cup Hosting

The UK government is considering a bid to host the 2042 Men's World Cup, which would mark the tournament's return to the British Isles for the first time in 76 years. Prime Minister expressed his keenness for the UK to host the event during a meeting with regional mayors. England last hosted and won the World Cup in 1966.

A formal application to stage the competition could potentially include other home nations, none of whom have previously hosted the tournament. Joint bids for major football tournaments have become more common, with England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland set to co-host the men's European championships in 2028 alongside the Republic of Ireland.

Under FIFA regulations, no European country is eligible to host the World Cup until 2042. Previous FIFA rules regarding continental rotation have been adjusted, but current regulations prevent nations from bidding if the same continent hosted either of the two preceding tournaments. The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with some matches in South America. Saudi Arabia is confirmed to host the 2034 tournament, and the 2038 location is yet to be announced, likely falling to North America or Oceania.

Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the possibility of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the north of England in the 2040s, with the government assessing the viability of a multi-city bid to distribute economic benefits.