Government sports officials pose for photos outside the National Stadium after the opening ceremony for the creation of "Corporation Juntos 2030," the organization that will create a joint-bid by Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to host the 2030 World Cup soccer tournament, in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. From left are Chile's National Soccer Association President Pablo Milad, Argentina's Sport Minister Matias Lammens, Chile's Sport Minister Alexandra Benado, Paraguay's Sport Minister Diego Galeano, Uruguay's Sport Minister Sebastian Bauza, Paraguay's National Soccer Association General Secretary Alba Benitez and representative of Uruguay's Soccer Association Eduardo Ache. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay confirmed a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup when their government officials signed documents in Santiago on Friday to present to FIFA.
'œThis is the first legal step we need to take to bid at FIFA,'ť said Pablo Milad, president of the Chilean Football Association.
The four nations want to celebrate the centennial of the World Cup where it began. Uruguay hosted the first tournament in 1930 with 13 teams. Uruguay also won the first title after beating Argentina 4-2 in the final.
The South American bidders plan to offer 18 stadia, including Uruguay's Centenario Stadium, site of the first World Cup final.
'œWe have a deficit in infrastructure in South America in comparison with Europe,'ť Milad said. 'œBut that will not be a hurdle for us to work from now to improve.'ť
Chile sports minister Alejandra Benado said representatives of the four nations will meet in Argentina within 90 days to choose a permanent directors board for the joint bid.
The United States, Mexico and Canada will hold the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA will make a decision about the 3030 host in 2024.
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Sports Ministers, from left, Uruguay's Sebastian Bauza, Argentina's Matias Lammens, Chile's Alexandra Benado and Paraguay's Diego Galeano hold up documents they signed at the National Stadium to create the "Corporation Juntos 2030," the organization that will create their joint-bid to host the 2030 World Cup soccer tournament, in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
Uruguay's Sport Minister Sebastian Bauza signs a joint document to create the "Corporation Juntos 2030," the organization that will create a joint-bid by Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina to host the 2030 World Cup soccer tournament, in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. The Sports Ministers behind are Paraguay's Diego Galeano, Chile's Alexandra Benado and Argentina's Matias Lammens. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press