The Vietnam Sports Administration and Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) held a joint meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss their collaborative bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup with other countries in the ASEAN region.
The idea of a combined ASEAN bid has been gaining traction since 2011. In recent years, the concept has been gaining more and more attention, with several countries considering the idea of a unified regional bid for the upcoming Olympic Games. Supporters of the bid believe that a combined ASEAN bid could create a strong, unified presence at the Games, showcasing the region’s diverse culture and showcasing the best of ASEAN talent. Additionally, a unified bid could help to promote regional cooperation and collaboration, as well as forge stronger ties between the different ASEAN countries. While there are still many hurdles to overcome before a unified ASEAN bid can become a reality, the idea has gained a great deal of support and momentum in recent years, and it could be the key to bringing the region closer together.
After extensive deliberation, heads of state from ASEAN countries and football administrators from the ASEAN Football Federation have agreed to pursue a joint bid for co-hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The decision is a momentous one, as it marks the first time that nations from the ASEAN bloc have agreed to join forces in an effort to bring the world’s most prestigious football tournament to the region. With the unified commitment of these nations, the ASEAN Football Federation is confident that the bid will be successful and that the 2034 FIFA World Cup will be the most memorable event in ASEAN history.
In 2017, ASEAN held talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino on launching a joint effort during his visit to Myanmar. The initiative had the potential to bring about positive changes in the region and was welcomed with enthusiasm by officials, players, and fans alike. With Infantino’s visit, ASEAN was taking a step towards fulfilling its commitment to the development of football in the region. The talks resulted in a concrete plan that could revolutionize the way football is played in ASEAN countries. This would be achieved through improved infrastructure, better access to resources, and increased opportunities for youth to participate in the sport. Additionally, the initiative would help to promote the spirit of unity and cooperation among the nations within ASEAN. With the help of FIFA and its resources, ASEAN was taking a giant leap towards achieving its goal of becoming a footballing powerhouse in Asia.
In January of that year, FIFA confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would feature 48 finalists, a dramatic increase from the 32 teams featured in previous tournaments. As a result, hosting the tournament in multiple countries was seen as a logical way to accommodate the expansion.
In June 2019, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced that all 10 nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had agreed to make a joint appeal to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This agreement marks a major milestone in the history of the region, as the countries of ASEAN come together in pursuit of a common goal. The Prime Minister emphasized the unique nature of this initiative, commenting that “this is a historic moment for ASEAN, as we are the first group of countries to come together to co-host a World Cup.” He also noted that the co-hosting of the tournament would bring both economic and cultural benefits to the region as a whole. The Prime Minister’s announcement was met with enthusiasm from the ASEAN nations, who are now eagerly awaiting FIFA’s response.
In October 2019, five ASEAN countries officially proposed co-hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup™, with Thailand leading the charge. This historic move was met with enthusiasm from football fans across the region, as it would be the first time the tournament would be co-hosted by multiple countries. This proposal is a testament to the growing unity and collaboration in Southeast Asia, and would create a unique opportunity for nations to come together in celebration of the world’s most popular sport.
The four other countries proposed to join the joint effort were Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
The five ASEAN members not included in the proposal were Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
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An aerial view of the majestic My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam is captured in this stunning image. Photo: Nguyen Khanh/Tuoi Tre. The impressive stadium, located in the bustling city of Hanoi, is a testament to the country’s love of sport and commitment to providing world-class sporting venues. The My Dinh National Stadium is the largest and most modern stadium in Vietnam, and is used for a variety of events, from international football and rugby matches to concerts and other large-scale events. With its impressive architecture and modern facilities, the My Dinh National Stadium is a must-see attraction in Hanoi. |
| An aerial view of My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre |
At the time, other countries also expressed interest in hosting the 2034 World Cup, including China, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and joint bidders Australia and New Zealand.
He said it was an “important step” for the region to become a “major player” in the global economy.
In June 2022, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen — who was also serving as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the time — voiced his strong support for the ASEAN bid. He declared it an “important step” for the region to become a “major player” in the global economy.
About a month later, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened a gathering to discuss the necessary preparations for the project, with the conclusion that constructing infrastructure that met the FIFA standards was of utmost importance.
Does Vietnam Have a Realistic Chance of Success? As a developing nation, Vietnam faces numerous challenges to its economic and social stability. However, the country has made significant progress in recent years, and there is a real possibility that it could become a successful nation. With its growing economy, improved infrastructure, and strong education system, Vietnam has the potential to become a regional economic powerhouse. The country also has access to a large pool of talented and motivated workers, which could be key to its future success. Ultimately, Vietnam has the resources and potential to become an economic success story, but the country must continue to invest in its people and infrastructure if it is to realize its full potential.
An official from the Vietnam Sports Administration told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper after Wednesday’s meeting that while ASEAN is expected to convene a gathering to deliberate the joint bid and make their ultimate ruling in June, the proposal is still hazy and lacks precision.
The official also revealed that the nation’s sports leaders remain in the dark about the specific requirements for it to become one of the co-hosts, including the number of stadiums required, budget forecasts, and infrastructure needed for transportation related to the event.
We have only had basic discussions and will request that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) provide more information to the appropriate authorities, the official added.
Currently, My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, which often hosts national and international sports events, has a capacity of 40,000 people.
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A man is taking photos at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam. The captivating image of the stadium is captured by Nguyen Khanh for Tuoi Tre newspaper. This iconic stadium is a popular destination for football fans, as it has hosted some of Vietnam’s biggest football games. With its striking architecture and vibrant atmosphere, the My Dinh National Stadium is a sight to behold. |
| A man takes photos at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre |
A VFF leader recently highlighted that if Vietnam is selected to co-host the group stage of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the nation will require more modern and expansive stadiums.
Vietnam must invest in the infrastructure necessary to create a FIFA-standard training environment. This means adding multiple fields, transportation systems, healthcare facilities, and tournament operations that meet professional standards. With these improvements, Vietnam will be well-equipped to host major international sporting events.
Moreover, financial capability is the most important factor that determines whether Vietnam and other ASEAN states can jointly host the 2034 World Cup, according to the leader of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).
According to official statistics, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has cost over US$200 billion, making it the most luxurious and expensive edition in the tournament’s history.
For comparison, the 2018 World Cup in Russia had a staggering budget of $13.2 billion.
Vietnam’s 2022 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to be a staggering $409 billion, according to the General Statistics Office. This figure is a testament to the country’s success in the global economy.
Many experts commented at Wednesday’s meeting that it is highly unlikely that Vietnam has the financial and infrastructure conditions, let alone the expertise, to co-host the tournament.
In the history of the FIFA World Cup, the tournament was jointly held only once in 2002 by South Korea and Japan, said VFF chairman Tran Quoc Tuan.
The United States, Mexico, and Canada will collectively host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. This historic agreement marks the first time three nations will join forces to host the world’s most prestigious football tournament. This monumental event will bring together people from all around the world to celebrate and honor the game of football. It will be a truly remarkable spectacle and one that promises to be remembered for generations to come.
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