Andy Burnham ‘plots bid’ to host World Cup in the UK as most likely edition now revealed

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly exploring a bid to bring the men's World Cup back to the UK, with 2042 currently appearing to be the most realistic opportunity.

The proposal forms part of Burnham's wider push to use major sporting events to attract investment, tourism and regeneration beyond London.

Burnham explores World Cup bid

Burnham reportedly raised the prospect of a UK World Cup bid during a meeting at No 10 North in Manchester, with discussions already taking place with the country's football governing bodies.

Hosting the tournament would mark the first time the men's World Cup has returned to the UK since England staged the competition in 1966.

The idea forms part of Burnham's wider ambition to establish the north as a major destination for international sport, with plans for a Northern Olympics and a bid to bring the 2035 Ryder Cup to Bolton also being pursued.

However, there are significant hurdles standing in the way of a World Cup bid.

FIFA's current rotation rules make a UK bid for 2038 difficult, given that the 2030 tournament will be hosted primarily by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, meaning 2042 currently appears to be the more realistic target.

The formal process for awarding the 2042 World Cup has not yet begun, while FIFA could make an exception to its rotation rules if no other valid bids are submitted.

Any potential UK bid would still need to demonstrate that it has the required stadiums, infrastructure and financial resources.

The UK would, however, already have a strong sporting infrastructure to build upon, with Euro 2028 set to be hosted across the UK and Ireland.

Burnham has previously criticised the length of time since England last hosted the men's World Cup, describing it as “insane” that the country where modern football was invented has staged the tournament only once.

He was also involved in England's unsuccessful bid to host the 2018 World Cup during his time as culture secretary, with Russia ultimately winning the vote and hosting the tournament.

FGG says: Could the UK host another World Cup?

A UK World Cup would be a huge undertaking, but 2042 gives the country plenty of time to develop a serious bid and build on its existing sporting infrastructure.

With Euro 2028 already coming to the UK and Ireland, and Burnham pushing for more major events outside London, the idea could become increasingly realistic over the next decade.

For now, though, 2042 looks like the edition to keep an eye on, with FIFA yet to formally begin the bidding process.