Germany is seeking to enter the race to host the FIFA World Cup in either 2038 or 2042, at a time when a prominent German football official believes that FIFA's hosting rotation rules could see enough flexibility to make it possible.
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Axel Hellmann, CEO of Eintracht Frankfurt and board member of the German Football Association (DFB), said in statements to The Athletic that Germany possesses "all the required infrastructure" to organize the tournament, while expressing concern that the high ticket pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup might become a permanent approach in future tournaments.
Hellmann explained that the DFB, led by its president Bernd Neuendorf, is already exploring the possibility of bidding to host the 2042 edition, and potentially 2038, noting that it depends on FIFA regulations. He stated: "We want to do it, and there is an initiative from Neuendorf and the DFB to bid for 2042, and maybe 2038—it depends on FIFA rules."
The continental rotation principle represents one of the main obstacles to Germany hosting the 2038 edition, as FIFA regulations stipulate that two editions must pass before hosting rights can return to the same continent.
The 2030 edition will take place across six countries on three continents, while Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 edition, theoretically making North America and Oceania the prime candidates to host in 2038.
However, Hellmann believes that distributing the 2030 World Cup across three continents might grant FIFA room to interpret the rules more flexibly, saying: "There is room to host 2038, and in 2042, I am confident our chances will be very good."
He confirmed that Germany possesses sufficient stadiums, transport networks, hotels, and training facilities, adding: "Every match will be sold out, and the tournament will be a great success." On the other hand, he pointed out the need to modernize several stadiums or build new facilities to keep pace with tournament requirements.
Hellmann considered hosting the World Cup a massive investment project, citing the benefits Germany gained after organizing the 2006 World Cup, stating that the tournament transformed the country's global image and contributed to improving infrastructure, especially transport, as well as enhancing Germany's international standing.
On another note, the German official criticized the ticket pricing policy for the 2026 World Cup, arguing that it creates social barriers that prevent many fans from attending matches.
"Football is the people's game, and it must remain accessible to everyone. When ticket prices rise like this, you exclude wide segments of fans," he said.
He explained that Eintracht Frankfurt adopts a different model, offering low-priced tickets to fans while high-priced hospitality sectors absorb part of the cost, adding: "This is a form of solidarity; those who can afford it support those who cannot pay large amounts."
He also criticized the high transportation costs during the 2026 World Cup, noting that some American cities increased public transit prices by up to seven times the usual rate during the tournament.
Hellmann expressed fears that this approach might persist in future tournaments, saying: "This is what I fear, and that is why we must start a discussion about future pricing policies."
He added that the experience of attending matches live is the most important factor in attracting new generations to football, emphasizing that turning the game into a product aimed solely at those with financial capacity will harm its long-term future.
He concluded his statements by pointing out that many national associations avoid publicly criticizing FIFA due to the political sensitivity surrounding their relationships with the international governing body, especially if they plan to submit bids for future tournaments. He stressed, however, that he holds no personal grievance against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and that the international body is required to consider the interests of all member associations worldwide.
— (Agencies)
