Discussions over the host of the 2038 FIFA World Cup are gathering momentum within international football circles, with speculation emerging that the United Kingdom may enter the bidding process. The decision on the 2038 host is expected to be a notable point of interest during the tenure of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whose current term runs from 2027 to 2031. Observers are uncertain whether Infantino will finalize the choice himself or defer to his successor.

The awarding of the 2030 World Cup to Morocco as a co-host and the 2034 tournament to Saudi Arabia has sparked debate among senior football officials. Some view these selections as a reflection of Infantino rewarding close allies, though he maintains that both decisions were made collectively by the FIFA Council.

According to FIFA’s current continental rotation policy, only member associations from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and the Oceania Football Confederation would be eligible to submit bids for the 2038 tournament. However, discussions within the FIFA Council suggest this policy may be revised, potentially allowing European nations, including the UK, to re-enter the bidding process. Proponents argue that such a move would pave the way for the long-anticipated return of the World Cup to Europe, and specifically to the UK.

Separately, FIFA has pushed for adjustments to the Laws of the Game ahead of the upcoming World Cup, seeking additional meetings of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) beyond its routine March session. Among the new rules introduced are provisions for red cards to be issued to players who leave the field in protest against referee decisions.

However, IFAB has resisted making rule changes during the course of the tournament itself. FIFA had proposed modifying the penalty shoot-out procedure by replacing the current system of two coin tosses with a single coin toss that would give the winning captain the choice of either kicking first or selecting the end, with the losing captain granted the alternate option. While the proposed change was recognized as a logical improvement, IFAB decided against implementing it for this tournament, resulting in the retention of the existing two coin tosses format.

These developments highlight ongoing debates around FIFA’s governance and the evolving regulations governing the sport ahead of one of its most high-profile competitions.