Germany eyes 2038 or 2042 World Cup bid

Germany is already looking ahead to a potential return as FIFA World Cup hosts, with ambitions to stage the tournament in either 2038 or 2042.

And one senior football executive says affordability must be at the heart of any future bid.

Germany wants to host a World Cup with better ticket pricing

Germany is considering a bid to host the men’s World Cup in either 2038 or 2042, with one of the country’s leading football executives calling for a more accessible approach to ticket pricing than was seen at the 2026 tournament.

Axel Hellmann, CEO of Eintracht Frankfurt and a member of the German Football Association’s (DFB) management board, believes Germany has the stadiums, transport links and hotel infrastructure required to host another successful World Cup.

While FIFA’s bidding process for both tournaments has yet to open, Hellmann says Germany would be well placed to launch a campaign, particularly for 2042, although he also believes there is a case for a 2038 bid depending on FIFA’s confederation rotation rules.

Beyond infrastructure, Hellmann wants Germany to offer a different experience for supporters, expressing concerns that ticket prices at the 2026 World Cup created unnecessary barriers for many fans.

He told The Athletic that football should remain accessible to everyone, suggesting that cheaper general admission tickets could be offset by premium hospitality pricing.

Hellmann also said he would like to see safe standing considered for future tournaments, pointing to Germany’s successful domestic model as a way of keeping costs down and maintaining atmosphere.

The executive warned that adopting the 2026 pricing model at future World Cups could distance younger supporters and ordinary fans from the live experience, urging FIFA to begin a wider discussion about ticket affordability.

FGG says: Cheaper tickets would tackle emerging World Cup issue

Every World Cup should leave a legacy beyond new stadiums and infrastructure.

If Germany is serious about making tickets more affordable and improving supporter access, then it would be addressing one of the biggest talking points from 2026.

Ensuring more fans can afford to attend matches would be a positive step and exactly the kind of lesson that should be taken forward into future World Cups.