Ukraine and Poland explore long‑term plan to team up for joint World Cup bid despite tensions

Ukraine and Poland are exploring the possibility of joining forces to bid for the World Cup, potentially targeting the first available tournament slot in 2042.

The idea would revive their successful Euro 2012 partnership, although major questions over security, infrastructure and their strained relationship remain.

Ukraine and Poland target joint World Cup bid

Ukraine's sports minister Matvii Bidnyi confirmed that Kyiv is interested in exploring a joint bid with Poland, with the nearest available World Cup opportunity expected to come in the 2040s, per reports.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host the 2030 tournament before Saudi Arabia stages the 2034 edition, meaning any Ukrainian-Polish proposal would be a long-term ambition rather than an immediate project.

The two countries previously worked together to host Euro 2012, and Bidnyi believes repeating that experience would be logical while potentially attracting investment into Ukraine's reconstruction.

However, the circumstances are now dramatically different.

Russia's ongoing invasion has left Ukraine facing huge reconstruction needs, while the Donbas Arena in Donetsk provides a stark example of the challenges created by the conflict.

The stadium hosted Euro 2012 matches but was damaged during subsequent fighting and has never returned to normal use.

The relationship between Ukraine and Poland has also become strained by disputes over historical issues, with polling showing a significant deterioration in Polish public opinion towards Ukraine.

Any future bid would require an end to the war, lasting peace, credible security guarantees and major infrastructure development before Ukraine could realistically host World Cup matches.

FGG says: Ukraine and Poland’s World Cup bid a long-term ambition for now

There is something genuinely interesting about the idea of Ukraine eventually hosting a World Cup after everything the country has endured.

Reuniting with Poland for another major tournament could also provide a powerful continuation of the Euro 2012 partnership and demonstrate how far Ukraine has rebuilt.

But this has to remain a long-term ambition for now, because security and reconstruction come first.

If peace is secured and Ukraine can rebuild its infrastructure over the next decade or so, then a joint World Cup could become a remarkable symbol of recovery and European solidarity.