Australia is considering a bid to host the men’s FIFA World Cup as early as 2038, following the country’s recent involvement in the 2023 Women’s World Cup and a spirited campaign by Socceroos fans despite their loss to Egypt. Supporters, former players, and industry experts are encouraging the federal government and Football Australia to begin preparations and lobbying efforts for the event, potentially as part of a joint bid with Indonesia and New Zealand.

The next World Cup is confirmed for 2026 in North America, while Saudi Arabia will host the tournament in 2034. Beyond that, FIFA has yet to finalize bidding procedures, leaving the 2038 competition open for Oceania and North America to submit proposals. This window has prompted early discussions in Australia about the opportunity to bring the men's tournament Down Under for a second time, nearly three decades after the women’s event was co-hosted with New Zealand.

Daniel Gschwind, Professor of Practice at Griffith University Institute for Tourism and former head of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, emphasized the significance of hosting such a global event. “It’s such a huge event and it is uplifting for the whole world,” he said. He noted Australia’s proven capacity to manage major international sporting events and argued that the country should actively pursue a bid. “If you’re not in it, you can’t win it, so if we can muster enough support, a bid would absolutely be worth looking at,” he added.

The prospect resonated strongly among local fans gathered at a live viewing site at Brisbane’s South Bank, where supporters sought to counterbalance the disappointment of the team's elimination. Many expressed confidence in Australia's existing infrastructure, especially improvements made in preparation for the recent Olympic Games, which have enhanced stadium and transportation capabilities. “We’ve got the facilities for it,” said Socceroos fan Sam Boardman. “After the Olympics, we’re going to have all the stadiums and all the transport.”

Football Australia has indicated that hosting the men’s World Cup remains a long-term objective for the sport nationally. Advocates argue that such an event would further elevate soccer’s profile within Australia and build on the momentum created by emerging talent and strong fan engagement. “Look at all the support,” Boardman said. “We’ve got the best fans in the world. I think we’ve got some brilliant young players, so I think it’s going to bring a lot of eyes into the game.”

While no formal bid has yet been launched, stakeholders are urging a strategic approach in the coming years to position Australia as a viable host for the tournament slated for 2038 or later.