Ireland could form part of a joint bid for the 2030 World Cup with England and the other home nations. The idea is being considered at senior levels within English football, and the Football Association of Ireland is understood to be open to an approach for detailed discussions.

A joint bid would have several advantages, including that Ireland could win votes from countries that may not usually support the UK associations, especially those who still hold a grudge about England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland having a separate status within Fifa. It would also solve the problem of including Northern Ireland as part of a UK-only bid because, although Belfast has no suitable stadium, Dublin could easily host matches at the 51,700-seater Aviva Stadium.

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