World Cup doubts see UK-Ireland drop 2030 bid, target Euros

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Doubts and disputes over FIFA's push for biennial World Cups contributed to Britain and Ireland dropping plans for a joint bid to host the 2030 edition and opting on Monday to pursue the 2028 European Championship instead.

A potential rival also moved aside when Italy switched its focus on bidding for Euro 2028 rather than the 2024 tournament.

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The British Isles nations determined there was more certainty bidding for the UEFA tournament while FIFA’s plans for the World Cup beyond the 2026 edition in the United States, Canada and Mexico are in flux.

Europe has been leading opposition to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's push to double the frequency of World Cups so they are held every two years. Resisting his key proposal while seeking a tournament from soccer's ruling body would have impaired the prospect of success by the British Isles bidders.

The World Cup feasibility study was being led by the English Football Association, which assessed the prospects of winning after losing badly in 2010 in a tainted contest for the 2018 edition.

"We’ve been very clear as (have) all the UEFA countries — we didn’t think that a biennial World Cup either in men’s or women’s was a good idea," English FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said, revealing his opposition for the first time to reporters. "We don’t believe that they’ll come to fruition. So we’re stepping back again.

"We looked at the two opportunities in front of us and the 2028 Euros is very clear as an opportunity. A very clear timeline."

Countries have until next month to register interest in hosting the European Championship in 2028 or 2032,