Andy Burnham has stated his ambition for the UK to host the men’s World Cup in 2042. This move would mark the tournament's return to the UK for the first time in nearly eight decades.
At a meeting held in No 10 North in Manchester on Friday, the Prime Minister informed regional mayors of his keenness for the tournament to be played in the British Isles. A Downing Street source indicated support for the FA's priorities regarding tournaments they are already hosting or wish to bid for, describing it as a "general ambition."
The 1966 World Cup, hosted and won by England, was the only time the country has staged the event. Under FIFA regulations, a European country would not be eligible to host the World Cup until 2042, due to rules preventing bids if either of the previous two tournaments took place on the same continent. The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the 2034 tournament confirmed for Saudi Arabia.
It is understood that a formal application to stage the competition could involve other home nations. Joint bids for major football tournaments have become more common, with England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland set to host the men’s European championships in 2028.
Burnham also reportedly discussed the possibility of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic games in the north of England in the 2040s at Friday's meeting. UK Sport was commissioned earlier this year, under the previous prime minister, Keir Starmer, to assess the viability of such a bid, with the government reportedly considering a "multi city bid" to distribute economic benefits across several northern cities.