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South Korean President Moon Jae-in enthusiastically greets FIFA President Gianni Infantino during South Korea’s second game in the World Cup against Mexico in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on June 23. (Yonhap News)
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino offers his support
On June 24, South Korean President Moon Jae-in expressed his desire for South and North Korea to co-host the World Cup.
“The first time I met you, I talked about South and North Korea hosting the World Cup together, and that is gradually becoming more of a reality,” President Moon told FIFA President Gianni Infantino during half time in South Korea’s second game in the World Cup, against Mexico, in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. This indicates that President Moon hopes that the reconciliatory mood between South and North Korea will enable them to co-host the World Cup.
“It was just a year ago when you mentioned South and North Korea co-hosting the event, and even then it didn’t seem realistic. Preparations must begin immediately. I’ll be there whenever you call,” Infantino said, adding that he would soon be visiting South Korea.
During a meeting with Infantino in June 2017, President Moon expressed his wish for South Korea to co-host the World Cup along with China, Japan and North Korea in 2030. “The possibility of having the World Cup co-hosted by the countries of Northeast Asia would help bring peace to the Korean Peninsula and the region,” he said at the time.
After being elected president of FIFA in Feb. 2017, Infantino expressed his support for co-hosting as he announced that the organization was actively considering the option of having between two and four countries host the tournament together. On June 13, FIFA accepted a bid from the US, Canada and Mexico to co-host the 2026 World Cup.
“This means that another path has been laid for South and North Korea to work together. This seems like something that FIFA could seriously consider,” said a senior official at the Blue House.
President Moon returned to South Korea on June 24 after wrapping up a four-day trip to Russia.
By Seong Yeon-cheol, staff reporter
Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]
Caption: South Korean President Moon Jae-in enthusiastically greets FIFA President Gianni Infantino during South Korea’s second game in the World Cup against Mexico in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on June 23. (Yonhap News)
