Andy Burnham aims to host men's World Cup in UK by 2042

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 12:13 PM

Last updated Aug 22, 2026

Andy Burnham aims to host men's World Cup in UK by 2042

Summary

Andy Burnham announced plans to bring the men's World Cup back to the UK in 2042 during a meeting with regional mayors at No 10 North in Manchester. This would mark the first time the tournament has been hosted in the British Isles in nearly eight decades. The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, indicating the possibility of revitalizing interest in football across the region. Discussions are expected to continue as local officials consider the implications and logistics of such an event.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

Status Watch

•Burnham announced the World Cup bid at No 10 North in Manchester.
•The tournament was last hosted in the UK in 1966.
•The plan includes regional cooperation among mayors.
•Timing aims for a return to the UK after almost 80 years.

Latest Updates

12:13 PMThe Guardian Sport — Andy Burnham says he wants to bring men’s World Cup back to UK in 2042

What they're saying

"
PM tells regional mayors he is keen to see tournament hosted in UK for first time after almost eight decades Andy Burnham has said he wants to bring the men’s World Cup to the UK in 2042, a move which would see the tournament return to these shores for the first time in almost eight decades. At a meeting in No 10 North in Manchester on Friday, the prime minister told regional mayors he was keen for the tournament to be played in the British Isles. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Geraldine McKelvie

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer