President of FIFA Gianni Infantino has suggested Israel should make a bid to host the World Cup along with the United Arab Emirates.
The bidding process for 2030 is underway with the SFA part of a UK and Ireland coalition to host though strong competition is expected for the 100th anniversary tournament.
Joint bids are now favoured by FIFA as they help to ease the financial burden on a country and avoid negative perceptions – the reason why the US, Canada and Mexico 'United' bid was so successful for 2026.
With Qatar 2022 being the first time the tournament will be staged in the Middle East, a region where football is rapidly growing ever more popular, other countries appear to have generated an interest.
Israel normalised political relations with the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco in a historic move last year.
And speaking at a Tel Aviv meeting with the country's prime minister, he said: "We have been speaking a lot in recent months after the UAE and Israel signed their normalisation agreement. So perhaps co-hosting is an option.
"The next World Cup after Qatar will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States – obviously three huge countries. So why not Israel?"
Another big debate on the World Cup centres around FIFA's ongoing push to stage the tournament every two years.
Infantino added: "A World Cup with 48 teams (from 2026) has already been decided. Whether it will take place every two years or four years, that is under consultation.
"Definitely believe in having more prestigious events, whether it's the World Cup or anything else. Iit is a magic tournament, and that is perhaps why it should happen more often.
"The prestige of an event depends on its quality, not its frequency. You have the Super Bowl every year, Wimbledon or the Champions League every year, and everyone is excited and waiting for it."
