OREANDA-NEWS Ukraine will join Spain and Portugal’s bid to host the FIFA 2030 World Cup, according to a report in The Times. 

The British newspaper claims that Ukraine is aiming to host one of the tournament’s group stages as part of the plan, which has reportedly been agreed by the governments of all three countries. 

Spain and Portugal will announce the new partnership at a press conference from European governing body UEFA’s headquarters on Wednesday, The Times reported. 

The two Iberian nations will receive competition from Morocco to host the tournament, in addition to a South American bid containing Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile. 

Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Egypt are also keen on a joint bid to host football’s biggest spectacle, with China, Australia, and South Korea expressing separate interest.

Ukraine has held a major football tournament before, joining forces with Poland to host the 2012 UEFA European Championship.

The current circumstances are markedly different, however, considering the ongoing conflict with Russia and the widespread disruption throughout Ukraine.

Ukraine will not feature at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar next month after losing a qualifying playoff final 1-0 against Wales in June.

Qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will begin in March 2023.

Ukraine would be expected to qualify automatically in 2030 if plans to join Spain and Portugal’s campaign are accepted and the nations win their hosting bid.