Australia should explore the possibility of a regional bid to co-host the men’s FIFA World Cup after hosting the women’s event with New Zealand next year, Football Australia’s chief executive said on Tuesday. James Johnson.

Johnson said another joint bid with New Zealand was one avenue to consider, while Australia could also seek to partner with Southeast Asian countries.

“(Canada) started hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2015 and you are fast forwarding to 2024 and they are co-hosts of the Men’s World Cup (2026),” he said.

“I think we have to look at ourselves as a region and yes, absolutely with New Zealand, but we also have a lot of eyeballs and a lot of growth in Southeast Asia as well, so I think we have to explore all the of them.”

Australia had bid for the 2022 final but lost to Qatar, while Canada, Mexico and the United States will co-host the World Cup in 2026.

China’s decision to forgo hosting rights for next year’s Asian Cup has also sparked speculation that Australia could step in to host the continental championship.

However, while Johnson said Football Australia had consulted with the Asian Football Confederation, a bid was unlikely unless the event was moved later in the schedule as the schedule would conflict with the Women’s World Cup. .

“The important thing for us is when the competition is going to play out,” Johnson said.

“At the moment it is planned to play in the middle of 2023.

“It just doesn’t work for us because we are hosting the Women’s World Cup around the same time, so we are discussing with the AFC whether or not they would be open in January or February 2024.

“If that’s a possibility, then that’s something we would meaningfully explore.”

Reuters