PARIS — France is preparing a potential bid to host the 2038 FIFA World Cup, with the French Football Federation (FFF) reportedly planning to support FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s re-election efforts in a move aimed at maintaining strong relations with world football’s governing body.
According to French sports newspaper L’Équipe, the FFF believes maintaining a close relationship with FIFA leadership could help strengthen France’s position if it officially launches a bid for the prestigious tournament.
France, one of football’s most successful nations and a former World Cup host in 1938 and 1998, is considering another major hosting campaign as part of its long-term strategy to remain influential in international football.
The country has a strong sporting infrastructure, including modern stadiums, transport networks, and experience hosting major events such as the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which could strengthen its case in a future World Cup bidding process.
The reported support for Infantino is viewed as a strategic decision by French football officials, who want to avoid tensions with FIFA and ensure that France remains a key partner in global football discussions.
However, the 2038 World Cup race is expected to be highly competitive, with several countries likely to express interest in hosting the tournament. FIFA has not yet opened the official bidding process for the 2038 edition.
France’s possible bid would represent a major return to the global football spotlight and could reinforce the country’s ambition to remain one of the leading forces in the sport both on and off the pitch.
