Philippe Diallo opens France World Cup 2038 bid talks

France could seek to bring the World Cup back in 2038, with FFF president Philippe Diallo confirming that a hosting bid is under consideration. The idea is not yet a formal candidacy, but Germany has emerged as a possible partner in a joint European project.

Diallo said France could no longer stage the expanded tournament alone, with 48 national teams due to take part. He pointed to the United States, which will share the 2026 edition with Canada and Mexico, and described Germany as a partner that would make sense for a French bid.

The 2038 tournament is expected to return to Europe after the 2030 competition is held across Spain, Portugal and Morocco, alongside matches in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host the 2034 edition. That sequence would take the tournament through North America, Europe, Africa, South America and Asia before Europe becomes eligible again under the usual continental rotation.

France has hosted the World Cup twice, in 1938 and 1998. A 2038 edition would therefore mark the competition’s return to the country four decades after France’s 1998 triumph, although FIFA has not yet awarded the tournament.