Australia in talks with Indonesia for joint 2034 World Cup bid

Soccer officials in Australia and Indonesia have discussed the idea of teaming up in a bid to rival Saudi Arabia for hosting the men’s World Cup in 2034.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported comments Wednesday from Indonesia soccer federation president Erick Thohir about ongoing talks that could also include Malaysia and Singapore in a possible bid. This could be the first time countries from West Asia and Oceania will host the competition after Japan and South Korea since 2002 when Japan and South Korea were hosting the tournament.

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Indonesia is being linked with a bid despite having the men’s Under-20 World Cup taken away by FIFA this year amid political turmoil because the Muslim-majority nation did not want to stage games involving Israel.