France exploring European project to host 2038 World Cup, says Philippe Diallo

France is considering a joint bid to host the 2038 World Cup, French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo has said.

Diallo confirmed that discussions were taking place about a possible French candidacy, which could involve Germany and potentially a third European country.

France have not hosted the men’s World Cup since 1998. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams has prompted speculation that a multi-country bid could be presented, with Germany identified as a possible partner.

“Our relations with the German Football Association are excellent,” Diallo told Ouest-France, in comments reported by Tribuna.

“That would be a wonderful symbol of bringing a new spirit to European national-team football, and to the continent as a whole.”

Diallo also suggested that the project could extend beyond France and Germany, with another European nation potentially joining the bid.

He said the initial ideas remained at an early stage and warned that any proposal would require substantial institutional backing.

“We have started to develop some ideas, but these are extremely complex projects and, of course, they require the support of the public authorities,” Diallo said.

“In our case, that means support from the French government.”

Any official French campaign to host the 2038 tournament would also depend on the political situation in the country after the 2027 presidential election, Diallo added.

The 2038 World Cup is therefore not yet the subject of a formal French bid, but the comments indicate that the French Football Federation is examining the possibility of working with neighbouring countries on a joint hosting plan.