- Australia could host 2034 World Cup with Indonesia
- Malaysia and Singapore could join the bid
- Saudi Arabia is in the lead to host the tournament
Australia is considering a joint bid to host the 2034 men’s World Cup alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Saudi Arabia is in the lead to host the prestigious tournament after FIFA announced bold plans for 2030, in which the competition will be played in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Potential 2034 hosts have been given until October 31 to express their interest, with the Saudi proposal backed by high-profile football figures such as Karim Benzema, Steven Gerrard and Riyad Mahrez.
But another joint bid could be in the works, with Erick Thohir, billionaire president of the Indonesian Football Federation, revealing his association was in talks with their Australian counterparts to host the tournament in their region.
He added that Malaysia and Singapore could join the bid.
Australia could submit a joint bid to host the 2034 World Cup alongside Indonesia.
FIFA has set October 31 as the deadline for countries to express interest in hosting
Saudi Arabia tops the table, but Australia could make a bid
“We are discussing (a candidacy) with Australia,” said Thohir, a senior government minister touted as a possible vice-presidential candidate in next year’s Indonesian elections.
“When I visited Malaysia and Singapore, both countries expressed interest in joining Indonesia and Australia,” he said.
Thohir previously owned Italian giants Inter Milan and MLS DC United.
Australia had already submitted its bid for the 2022 World Cup, which was awarded to Qatar. The bid alone cost the taxpayer $46 million.
“They said they wanted it,” Thohir said of Australia’s interest. “We expected seriousness from the Australian government in working with Indonesia.”
An Australian Government spokesperson said: “The Australian Government seriously considers all applications for major sporting events, taking into account the level of support required from the Australian Government and the wider socio-economic benefits that can be achieved, in order to achieve results for all. Australians through sport.