Spain and Portugal have decided to include Ukraine in their joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup. 

At a press conference at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, the president of the Spanish federation Luis Rubiales said: "It is a message of solidarity and hope. It is no longer an Iberian but a European candidacy", added Rubiales.

"We are an example of how football can improve society. This candidacy has many things to win: history, stadiums, tourism, gastronomy and other things that revolve around football. We hope in 2030 that the conflict is over, we want that this candidacy unites Europe ".

The president of the Portuguese federation Fernando Gomes specified: "Since the invasion of Ukraine, Portugal and the Portuguese Federation have been part of a program to welcome Ukrainian families, we have opened the doors to the most needy. For some, inclusion Ukraine may be something surprising and unexpected, for us it is logical and right. We cannot remain indifferent to the Ukrainian situation, Ukraine cannot disappear from our memory ".

Spain, Portugal and Ukraine's bid for the 2030 tournament is backed by UEFA and will compete against other bids such as a collaboration between Egypt, Greece and Saudi Arabia and a joint South American proposal from Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile.

The 2022 World Cup will start on November 20 in Qatar, while the 2026 tournament will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.