FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given tentative backing to a joint 2030 World Cup bid by Argentina and Uruguay ©Getty Images

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given tentative backing to a joint 2030 World Cup bid by Argentina and Uruguay during a visit to the South American Football Confederation's (CONMEBOL) headquarters in Paraguay’s capital Asunción.

FIFA has only ever held one joint World Cup, in Japan and South Korea in 2002, but has since discouraged co-hosting.

Belgium and The Netherlands and Portugal and Spain bid for the 2018 World Cup with both losing out to Russia.

However, Infantino told CONMEBOL officials that he was not against co-hosting the 2030 tournament, suggesting the history of Argentina and Uruguay make them strong candidates to commemorate the centenary edition. 

Uruguay were awarded the first World Cup in 1930 and beat Argentina 4-2 in the final.

They also triumphed in 1950, defying the odds to beat home nation Brazil in the decisive match.

Argentina hosted and won the tournament in 1978 and secured their second title at the 1986 edition in Mexico.

"An important theme is whether the World Cup can be played in more than one country," said Infantino, who was elected to his position last month.

"FIFA has been very much against a joint organisation.

"I personally support it.

"2030 is a very important year and history must be respected."

The last World Cup to be hosted by two countries was in 2002, when Brazil triumphed in Japan and South Korea
The last World Cup to be hosted by two countries was in 2002, when Brazil triumphed in Japan and South Korea ©Getty Images

CONMEBOL, which gave support to Infantino during the FIFA Presidential race, has been at the heart of the recent corruption scandal engulfing world football's governing body with its last three Presidents and officials from all 10 member nations among those indicted.

The continuing criminal investigation largely centres on a total of $200 million (£139 million/€177 million) in bribes and kickbacks, which were solicited and received by various football officials concerning marketing and broadcast rights.

The probe, led by the American Department of Justice, has already seen 42 officials and entities indicted and a total of 16 have pleaded guilty.

"FIFA and CONMEBOL have been facing a very difficult situation following the events of the past months," said Infantino, who met with CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez during his visit.

"However, we are both committed to the implementation of the necessary reforms to ensure that we regain the trust of our key stakeholders and serve football in the best possible way."

Infantino watched on as Uruguay went top of the South America World Cup qualifying group last night with a 1-0 win against Peru in Montevideo.

The Swiss, who suggested during his election campaign that World Cups could be held in entire regions, is also travelling to Bolivia and Colombia on his South American tour.