BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 4-- Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay have reaffirmed their interest in co-hosting the 2030 World Cup, which will mark the centenary of football's showpiece tournament. The presidents of the South American countries met at the Casa Rosada presidential palace in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, where they held a press conference in the presence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. "If you give us the opportunity, we will be great hosts," Argentine President Mauricio Macri said, while flanked by Uruguayan counterpart Tabare Vazquez and Paraguayan leader Horacio Cartes. "This region deserves to host a World Cup; it' s a passion shared by Uruguayans, Paraguayans and Argentines." According to local officials, Uruguay and Paraguay would be allocated one or two stadiums each while Argentina could provide up to six venues. The 2030 tournament will be held 100 years after Uruguay won the inaugural World Cup as hosts. "We know that other countries are interested but I think that the 100-year anniversary of the first World Cup in Uruguay makes this region particularly attractive," Cartes said. Argentina and Uruguay, both two-time World Cup winners, announced their plans for a joint candidacy earlier this year before adding Paraguay to the bid last month. "The idea came from Uruguay and it took 40 seconds for us to say yes," Macri said. "And when Paraguay showed interest it took another 40 seconds to agree. I think it has made our candidacy stronger." |