Gianni Infantino does not rule out Israel hosting the World Cup in 2030. The FIFA president visited the country on Monday and gave a speech at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem. Infantino said improved relations between Israel and some countries in the region, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, will allow for a World Cup there. They may be able to organize that tournament together.
On September 15, 2020, with the help of the United States, the countries signed the so-called Abraham Agreements, which were intended to normalize relations between them. The increased prospect of calm in the region prompted Infantino to make his statements. “Why can’t we dream of a World Cup in Israel and neighboring countries?” he argued. “With the Abraham Accords, why not here, along with the neighbors in the Middle East and the Palestinians?”
Welcome to Israel, President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino!??
It was a pleasure meeting you and hearing your idea about Israel hosting the @FIFAWorldCup in 2030, together with our Arab neighbors.
That’s a goal we can all work towards! ?? pic.twitter.com/CXi9TIgcFn
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 12, 2021
Following on from his speech, Infantino met Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett while visiting the national team’s new training complex. There, the FIFA president announced that the association was considering organizing annual football tournaments for men and women and again stated that Israel could potentially co-host them. Infantino also had an appointment with the Palestinian Football Association, but this was canceled by the Palestinians because of anger about the performance at the Museum of Tolerance. The property is built on a former Muslim cemetery considered dear by the neighboring country.
On Twitter, Prime Minister Bennett actually hints at an attempt by Israel to win the World Cup together with one or more neighboring countries. He liked the meeting with Infantino. “It was a pleasure to meet you and hear your ideas about Israel hosting the 2030 World Cup, along with our Arab neighbors,” he wrote in a message. “That’s a goal we can all work towards.”
The World Cup in 2026 will be the first global final round to be organized by multiple countries. The United States, Canada and Mexico will then serve as joint hosts. A decision will be made in 2024 on the organization of the 2030 World Cup. Several joint bids have already been confirmed: Spain and Portugal want to organize the World Cup, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia are making an attempt together, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile want bring the World Cup to South America and Morocco is also organizing a bid, possibly in collaboration with Algeria and Tunisia.