France's Sports Minister Marina Ferrari has publicly backed the prospect of a joint candidacy with Germany to host the 2038 FIFA World Cup, marking the first official comment from the French government on the proposal. Speaking on Sud Radio, Ferrari confirmed that while no formal application has been submitted, the idea aligns perfectly with France's long-term strategy of securing major international sporting events.
Ferrari stressed that the initiative remains at an exploratory stage, with sports federations responsible for submitting any official bid. "It has not been confirmed at this stage, as it is up to the sports federations to submit the applications," she explained. However, her endorsement signals strong governmental support for the concept. The minister emphasized that hosting world-class tournaments has become central to France's development agenda and economic strategy.
Building on European Partnerships
The proposed France-Germany partnership builds on an existing model of cooperation between the two nations. Ferrari highlighted the upcoming 2029 Handball World Championship, which France and Germany will jointly stage, as evidence that shared hosting arrangements work effectively. "We are working increasingly with our European partners," she noted, suggesting that joint bids represent the future of international sports hosting.
Beyond tournament hosting, Ferrari linked the World Cup ambition to broader economic objectives. "This falls within the policy of developing the sports economy that we strongly support in France," she stated. The minister's framing positions the 2038 bid as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance France's standing in global sports, complementing the country's recent achievements in hosting major events.
France's Track Record and Momentum
France has demonstrated considerable capability in staging elite competitions. The nation hosted Euro 2016 and most recently delivered the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which drew global admiration. Ferrari expressed confidence that this recent experience, combined with existing infrastructure, positions France as a credible host. She also noted that the country will continue hosting major events annually, with the Winter Olympics coming to 2030.
France's only World Cup hosting came in 1998, when they won the tournament on home soil—a feat few nations have replicated. A successful 2038 bid alongside Germany would mark another milestone. The timing aligns with the broader shift toward joint hosting arrangements in international football, with the 2030 World Cup split between Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, while Saudi Arabia hosts 2034. France and Germany's partnership could set a precedent for future tournaments as FIFA continues to evolve its hosting model.
