But the UK is set to face tough opposition from the European Union who are understood to be backing a joint bid by Spain–Portugal to host the FIFA World Cup bid. A UK Government source told the Express that a bid would “put Brexit Britain on the world stage” and bring the "UK together." This could mean that not all UK teams would be granted a straight passage to the Games. It has not yet been decided how the qualification will be arranged but these arrangements will form part of future discussions. In January, Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged almost £3m towards a joint bid with the Irish Republic stressing it was “right time” to “bring football home”.

Source: Express July 11, 2021 11:03 UTC