"Our goal is to relaunch the intention of the four governments to host the World Cup 2030, post-pandemic," said Vice President of Paraguay Hugo Velazquez, who chaired a meeting of representatives from the four countries in Asuncion.

The leader announced that a working group would be formed in Montevideo in less than a month to establish a schedule of actions to be carried out in order to promote the joint candidacy.

The vice-president stressed that the four South American countries could not compete economically with the world powers and that, nevertheless, "what we want is to make history, especially for what football represents for this part of the continent".

"We want to remind you that the first World Cup took place in South America (in Uruguay in 1930, editor's note) and that it is the continent which exports the best players in the world", he added.

The Paraguayan vice-president pointed out that the four countries would be forced to build infrastructure, but after the competition there would be a legacy for each nation's football.

Fifa must decide in 2024 on the country or countries which will host the 2030 World Cup and will succeed the trio Canada / United States / Mexico, chosen to organize the 2026 edition.

Spain and Portugal already officially presented a joint bid to host this 2030 World Cup a year ago.

© 2022 AFP