Economics Ministry plans to discuss with Ukraine cooperation on hosting FIFA World Cup in the Baltics

RIGA - Economics Minister Viktors Valainis (Greens/Farmers), during a meeting with Latvian Football Federation (LFF) President Vadims Lasenko, discussed plans to organize a visit to Ukraine to discuss with the Ukrainian Football Federation potential cooperation in hosting the FIFA World Cup finals in the Baltic region, the Ministry of Economics (EM) informed LETA.

The ministry noted that during the meeting, they discussed the development of a national stadium and Latvia’s ambitions regarding the hosting of international events.

The EM noted that the construction of a national-level stadium is an essential prerequisite for Latvia to be able to compete in the Baltic region not only in hosting football events but also in organizing other large-scale events, and the minister is ready to support the faster advancement of such plans, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure for both sports and economic development.

During the meeting, they also discussed the possibility of strengthening international cooperation, including organizing a joint visit to Ukraine to discuss with the Ukrainian Football Federation potential collaboration on hosting the FIFA World Cup finals in the Baltic region. The visit is planned for late April.

Valainis noted that a modern, national-scale stadium would create new opportunities to attract international events, promote tourism development, and make a significant contribution to the national economy as a whole. In his view, Latvia must think ambitiously both regarding stadium construction and its ability to organize high-level international events. The minister sees potential for closer cooperation with the Ukrainian Football Federation, which could strengthen joint efforts to bid for the FIFA World Cup in the future.

At the same time, the importance of youth sports was also discussed during the meeting.

Previously, the EM told LETA that FIFA is currently evaluating the possibility of creating a joint regional bid involving the Baltic states, Poland, Ukraine, and the Nordic countries to host the FIFA World Cup.

The EM stated that, given that recent major tournaments are increasingly being organized through cooperation among several countries, it is currently evaluating the possibility of creating a joint regional bid involving the Baltic states, Poland, Ukraine, and the Nordic countries.