Ukraine's government has raised the possibility of a joint World Cup bid with Poland, reviving the partnership that saw the two countries co-host Euro 2012. Sports minister Matvii Bidnyi told Politico Europe that Ukraine would be willing to explore a joint bid with Poland.
With the 2040s identified as the earliest realistic opportunity.
“The nearest open date for the World Cup is somewhere in the 2040s … so we need to plan for this perspective right now,” said Bidnyi, as he confirmed his country was interested in exploring a joint-hosting bid.”
Ukraine's Ministry of Youth and Sports later clarified that no official negotiations or consultations with Poland are currently taking place.
The ministry said Bidnyi was discussing Ukraine's long-term ambitions rather than announcing an active bidding process. Its immediate priorities remain the war, the safety of Ukrainian citizens and support for Ukrainian athletes and military veterans.
Vasyl Mokan, deputy chair of Ukraine's parliamentary committee on youth and sports, said his committee has not received official information on such negotiations, adding another layer of confirmation that this remains at the discussion stage.
Why Ukraine And Poland Would Have To Wait Until The 2040s
The next two World Cups have already been awarded. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host the 2030 tournament, while Saudi Arabia has been selected for 2034.
Read More: Inside Saudi Arabia’s $26bn King Salman Stadium Set To Host The 2034 World Cup Final
That leaves the 2040s as the earliest possible window for another World Cup bid involving Ukraine and Poland. Any formal bid would also require the two countries' football federations to submit the necessary paperwork to FIFA.
What Obstacles Stand In The Way of A Ukraine-Poland World Cup?
Any future proposal would come as Ukraine faces major reconstruction needs. A joint assessment by the Ukrainian government, World Bank, European Commission and UN estimated the country's reconstruction and recovery needs at nearly $588 billion over the next decade.
Ongoing Russian attacks have intensified, with civilian casualties in the first half of 2026 up 114% compared to the same period in 2024, according to U.N. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock on 1 September.
The Donbass Arena in Donetsk, which hosted matches during Euro 2012, remains unusable because of the war. Shakhtar Donetsk has also been unable to play home matches in the city for several years.
Ukraine would need functioning stadiums, transport links and security arrangements capable of supporting teams and supporters from around the world. For now, there is no formal bid.
“Without these conditions, it would be premature to speak about hosting a FIFA World Cup in Ukraine,” Mokan said — adding that if Ukraine aspires to co-host the tournament one day, “preparations must begin now through consistent long-term planning.”
Any future proposal would depend on Ukraine's postwar recovery, Poland agreeing to take part and FIFA opening the bidding process.
