The Times: UK Aims to Host 2042 FIFA World Cup

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has proposed that the United Kingdom host the 2042 FIFA World Cup, according to sources cited by The Times.

Burnham reportedly presented his vision during a meeting with city mayors at the Prime Minister's new office in Manchester. The Prime Minister is said to be in discussions with the Football Association and the Premier League regarding a potential bid to host the tournament.

The Times also reports that Burnham's government is preparing a bid to host the 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The newspaper notes that the Prime Minister aims to stage these events in cities across Northern Britain to stimulate regional economic growth. Previously, as Mayor of Manchester, Burnham had urged the government to ensure the Olympic Games would be held in the North of England.

England has hosted the FIFA World Cup only once in its history, in 1966. This was also the only occasion England has won the world title.

The most recent World Cup took place this summer across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The next tournament in 2030 will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay each hosting one group stage match. The 2034 World Cup is set to be held in Saudi Arabia.