France urged to launch audacious 2038 World Cup bid, potentially with Germany

France could be plotting a major power play in international football, with a government advisory body recommending the nation throw its hat in the ring for the 2038 FIFA World Cup — and not just as a solo act. According to a note from the association 'Territoires d'événements sportifs' addressed to the Minister of Sport, Les Bleus’ homeland should also consider a joint bid with Germany for the men's showpiece, alongside separate campaigns for the 2036 men's European Championship and the 2033 Women's Euro.

The advisory push

The recommendation, reported by L'Equipe, comes from an organisation that advises on hosting major sporting events. It proposes France leverage its existing infrastructure — Stade de France, Parc des Princes, and the many sparkling venues from Euro 2016 — to stage football's biggest festivals. The prospect of a co-hosted 2038 World Cup with Germany would revive memories of the successful 2006 tournament in Germany and the 1998 World Cup in France, with a modern twist: a cross-border mega-event.

Why now?

The timing is strategic. With the 2030 World Cup set for a three-continent spread (Morocco, Spain, Portugal, plus South America centenary matches) and 2034 awarded to Saudi Arabia, the 2038 edition is the next available prize. A Franco-German bid would be a heavy counterweight to expected bids from Asia or the Americas. It also signals that France wants to stay at the top table of football governance, especially after hosting the 2019 Women's World Cup and the upcoming 2025 Rugby World Cup.

What it means

If France and Germany formalise a joint bid, it would be the first World Cup co-hosted by two European giants. The logistical and political hurdles are real — FIFA's rotation policy and the fallout from the Qatar 2022 human rights debates mean any future bid will face intense scrutiny. But for fans, the prospect of seeing the world's best teams crisscross from the Allianz Arena to the Vélodrome is mouth-watering. France is thinking big, and this is just the opening bid in what promises to be a long campaign.