Germany's infrastructure vs FIFA rules: a bid for 2038/2042

Germany, backed by the German Football Association (DFB), is touting its existing stadiums, transport links and hotel capacity as a solid foundation for a 2038 or 2042 World Cup bid, while the uncertainty of FIFA’s bidding process and competing continents creates a stark contrast.

Eintracht Frankfurt chief executive Axel Hellmann says Germany is positioning itself as a serious contender to host the men’s World Cup in either 2038 or 2042, highlighting the nation’s existing stadiums, transport links and hotel capacity as sufficient for a successful global tournament.

Hellmann, who serves as CEO of Eintracht Frankfurt and sits on the DFB management board, revealed that the Bundesliga executive is exploring the possibility of staging either tournament.

He told The Athletic, “We would love to, and there is an initiative by (DFB president) Bernd Neuendorf and the DFB to run for 2042, maybe 2038,” adding, “It depends on FIFA regulations.”

The DFB has previously indicated it would consider a future World Cup bid, although FIFA’s official bidding processes for the 2038 and 2042 tournaments have not yet opened.

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A potential German bid for 2038 could face complications due to FIFA’s confederation rotation rules. The 2030 World Cup will be held across Africa, Europe and South America, with Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay involved.

That arrangement effectively handed the 2034 tournament to Saudi Arabia, representing the Asian Football Confederation, leaving the door open for North America and Oceania in 2038. The United States is currently viewed as a leading contender after hosting the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.

Hellmann believes FIFA could show flexibility given the unique circumstances surrounding the 2030 edition. He said, “Germany has the stadium infrastructure, mobility infrastructure and hotel infrastructure. Every single game will be sold out. It will be a success.”

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He added that Germany would likely need to modernise some stadiums but expects a World Cup could trigger a major investment programme similar to the one that followed the 2006 tournament, which he described as one of the country’s greatest global marketing campaigns that changed international perceptions.

Hellmann warned that FIFA’s ticket pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup could damage football’s connection with ordinary supporters, stating, “Football is the sport of the people, and it belongs to a certain extent to the people.” He called for affordable tickets and safe‑standing areas to ensure younger generations experience live football, urging a discussion about future price policy. The contrast between Germany’s ready infrastructure and the external uncertainties underscores that any successful bid will hinge on FIFA’s regulatory flexibility and ticket‑pricing decisions.