World Cup 2030: has England bid to host football tournament, who else is bidding - and when will FIFA decide?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson believes the UK and Ireland have "a very good case" to stage the 2030 World Cup.

His message comes despite unsavoury scenes at Wembley Stadium for the final of Euro 2020, which was marred by crowd trouble.

Some people without tickets for the tournament's grand finale charged at security prior to kick off in an attempt to gain entry to Wembley.

Fans clashed with each other and security while F1 driver Lando Norris was mugged on returning to his McLaren car and had a £40,000 watch stolen.

Fears events of the Euro 2020 final could impact on the combined UK and Ireland bid were addressed by Mr Johnson, who remained hopeful of success.

The World Cup sees millions of football fans flock to the host country every four years, bringing even bigger TV audiences and usually a welcome boost in tourism.

Has England bid to host 2030 World Cup?

The UK government has instructed a feasibility study to be carried out to assess the chances of a combined bid from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Ministers pledged £2.8 million to start a possible bid, with the hope a unified UK and Ireland bid for the 2030 World Cup will prove more successful in the bidding process.

Staging both semi finals and the final of Euro 2020 was a chance for the world to see how well a major tournament could be held on these shores but there is now concern.

It comes following a security breach at Wembley Stadium prior to the final between England and Italy where people without tickets tried to get inside the ground.

While footage of fans clashing, along with nearly 50 arrests, among distressing scenes saw Mr Johnson having to allay concerns the trouble could have a negative impact.

Mr Johnson said bidding to stage the World Cup was "a long and difficult process" and recounted England's failed bid in 2010 of which he was part of.

"I do think the UK has a very good case, together with Ireland, and we will be making that case," he said.

“I think it was a shame that a small minority tried to spoil it or behave badly. There were particular difficulties in policing and enforcing an event in the context of the testing and the social-distancing rules.

“But irrespective of that, I do think that the UK, working together with Ireland, has a very good case. I wouldn’t want to let my hopes run away with me, because I remember what it was like 10 years ago, but we will certainly give it our best shot.”

Which countries have bid for the 2030 World Cup?

The formal bidding process doesn't begin until 2022, but that hasn't stopped a handful of prospective hosts from throwing their names in the hat.

Portugal and Spain have confirmed their intentions to make a unified bid for the 2030 World Cup, along with a combined effort from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Serbia.

Further afield, Morocco has confirmed its intention to lodge a bid while Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay will join forces to bring the World Cup to South America.

They are not alone in looking to bring the tournament to that part of the world, with Colombia, Ecuador and Peru rumoured to be merging interests to host the 2030 World Cup.

Other interested countries include Egypt and Cameroon but neither have officially announced its intention to bid as yet.

When will FIFA decide 2030 World Cup host?

FIFA is expected to announce the host of the 2030 World Cup in 2024.

Officials face a difficult task with several strong contenders - not least the sentimental pull of staging the World Cup in Uruguay.

The 2030 World Cup will mark the tournament's 100th anniversary since it was first staged in 1930, a competition held in Uruguay.

Where is the 2022 World Cup?

The 2022 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Qatar.

Due to the sweltering heat at the height of summer in Qatar, the tournament will be the first World Cup to be staged in the winter.

The big kick off on 21 November 2022 will cause disruption to European football's domestic league calendars, with the final due to be held on 18 December 2022.

Where is the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Where is Euro 2024 and Euro 2028?

Despite the fact the delayed Euro 2020 tournament has just finished (in July 2021), with Italy beating England in a penalty shootout, there remains plenty of appetite for international football ahead of the new domestic season.

The 2024 Euros will be held in Germany with England's young Three Lions aiming to go one better than their 2020 campaign, which ended in tears as Italy lifted the trophy at Wembley Stadium.