Fans face another winter World Cup in 2030 if extraordinary joint-bid succeeds
Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Greece are set to proceed with a daring bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup which would see 48 teams take place – and go ahead in the winter.
That would follow in the footsteps of the Qatar tournament which will go ahead from November 20 to December 18 later this year due to their intense summer heat.
The adaptation to the tradition summer dates is set to cause huge disruption to domestic football with no Premier League fixtures taking place between November 13 and Boxing Day.
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Despite the fury from many regarding that change, the World Cup could again be held in the winter in 2030 should Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Greece be successful in their joint bid.
The Daily Mail report that leaders of the three countries have given their support to submit an official bid, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently sending the joint nomination file according to Greek site TO10.
Previous reports have noted temperatures as a reason why the tournament would again be held in the winter months, with Saudi Arabia set to contribute to running costs for Egypt and Greece as the lead partner.
What are your thoughts on a winter World Cup? Tell us in the comments section below.
The 2030 tournament is due to be the second to host 48 teams instead of the traditional 32, with the joint hosted United States, Canada and Mexico 2026 FIFA World Cup being the first.
With probable Saudi venues including the King Fahd International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the Olympic Stadium in Athens is likely to feature.
In Egypt, the Cairo International Stadium and org El Arab Stadium are currently the biggest, with the New Administrative Capital Stadium under construction.
Other bids to host the 2030 World Cup include Morocco, as well as joint bids from Spain and Portugal as well as Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile.
Other countries that have expressed interest include Algeria, Australia and Colombia, with a United Kingdom & Ireland bid recently scrapped.
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland are now focusing on a joint bid to host UEFA Euro 2028 instead.
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