Germany wants to bring the FIFA World Cup back to the country, with the German Football Association, known as the DFB, formally announcing plans to bid for the 2038 tournament and, if that effort falls short, a possible backup bid for 2042.

Germany last hosted the World Cup in 2006, an edition still widely remembered for its smooth infrastructure and positive atmosphere. Nearly two decades later, the country is considering another run at the tournament, and it may not do so alone.

A Franco-German power play

What began as a German bid effort has developed into a broader possibility. French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari confirmed on July 23, 2026, that discussions about a joint France-Germany bid have been underway for some time.

Ferrari said the potential partnership fits into France’s wider strategy of hosting major international sporting events.

The 2030 World Cup is already scheduled to be staged across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional centenary matches in South America. Saudi Arabia has secured the 2034 edition.

England and Italy are also separately considering bids for 2038, which could set up a competitive European race. FIFA has not yet released an official bidding timeline, so any formal contest for the tournament remains at an early stage.

What a World Cup bid requires

A German bid would need at least 14 stadiums, each with a minimum capacity of 40,000 seats. Germany’s infrastructure from the 2006 tournament covered much of that requirement, but stadiums age, standards change, and FIFA’s expectations for scale and presentation continue to rise.