Ukraine Joins Spain, Portugal’s 2030 World Cup Bid

War-torn Ukraine has joined Spain and Portugal in their bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said on Wednesday.

The new partnership was confirmed during a news conference at the Swiss headquarters of UEFA, European soccer’s governing body.

“Now it’s not an Iberian bid but a European bid,” Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales said from UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. “We’ve taken a step forward today.”

Portugal’s FA president Fernando Gomes said: “It’s an honour to include Ukraine in our bid. The two federations have informed UEFA  of their intention , who have given them their full support.

“It’s a logical and natural decision. We’ve had the unconditional support of UEFA. Ukraine cannot disappear from our minds once the war is over. We have to give them hope.”

In a statement, the FPF said that the terms of Ukraine joining the candidacy would be defined in due course.

“The example of tenacity and resilience set by the Ukrainian people is inspiring. This proposal aims to contribute through the power of football to the recovery of a country undergoing reconstruction,” the FPF said.

The Spain, Portugal and Ukraine bid for the 2030 tournament is backed by UEFA and will compete against other candidacies such as a collaboration among Egypt, Greece and Saudi Arabia, and a joint South American proposal from Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile.

Last week marked seven months since Russian forces rolled across Ukraine’s borders in the largest military invasion in Europe since World War II. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, millions have fled and cities and towns have been reduced to rubble.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the RFEF said: “The candidacy (of Spain, Portugal and Ukraine) strengthens ties with Europe by generating hope and providing reconstruction tools to the Ukrainian people, who have expressed their pride and gratitude for participating in this project.”

The 2022 World Cup will begin on Nov. 20 in Qatar, while the 2026 tournament will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.