By Nick Butler

The Astana Arena National Stadium would be a key part of any 2026 World Cup bid ©WikipediaDiscussions are underway regarding a Kazakhstan bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.


Meetings are taking place between Governmental and sporting officials in the oil-rich nation, of which former capital and largest city Almaty is also currently bidding for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympics, although no final decision has been made.

"We are discussing this issue with the Government of my country to assess what are our chances," Football Federation of Kazakhstan President Yerlan Kozhagapanov told L'Equipe.

"Our country is developing rapidly, our economy is growing, so why not?

"We want to organise the Winter [Olympic] Games in 2022, and we plan to engage in the race for the organisation of the World Cup 2026."

If re-elected as FIFA President this year, the 2026 race is likely to be the last presided over by Sepp Blatter ©AFP/Getty ImagesIf re-elected as FIFA President this year, the 2026 race is likely to be the last presided over by Sepp Blatter ©AFP/Getty Images



Although Kazakhstan is generally considered a country in Asia, with the Winter Olympic bid being depicted as an Asian bid, the nation, which achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, is a member of European continental governing body, UEFA.

This is a potential advantage as, with Qatar hosting the 2022 edition, it is expected that Asian countries will not be considered, although with Russia hosting in 2018, a European winner is also thought unlikely.

Bidding rules for the 2026 race are expected to be decided upon by the FIFA Executive Committee on May 30, with a final decision expected at the FIFA Congress in Kuala Lumpur in 2017.

United States is currently the favourite in the fledgling race to hold the Games for the first time since 1994.

Mexico, Colombia and Canada are other reported American contenders, with Morocco, England and - if Asian participants are allowed - China, other possible challengers.

Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, is currently bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics ©ITGAlmaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, is currently bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics ©ITG





A Kazakh bid would rely on many new venues, with the national team currently playing at the Astana Arena in the nation's capital, although the Almaty Central Stadium, in which Opening and Closing Ceremonies would be held in 2022, would also be key.

Almaty and Astana co-hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games, while Almaty is also due to host the 2017 Winter Universiade.

The city is widely seen as the underdog in the 2022 race, behind Chinese capital Beijing, with a lack of political support seen as a weakness in comparison with its rival.

Gaining such support with therefore be vital to any World Cup bid. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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