The FFF president announces France's bid to host the Nations League Final 4 in June 2027, with Lyon and Saint-Étienne in the running, while opening the debate on a multi-country 2038 World Cup.
In a recent interview, Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), officially confirmed France's ambition to bid for the hosting of the Nations League Final 4. This knockout competition, scheduled for June 2027, can only be held on French soil if Les Bleus manage to secure their qualification at the end of the European season. This conditional scenario therefore remains the main uncertainty for potential organisers.
According to information gathered, if the French bid were to be accepted by UEFA, the semi-finals and final would take place in two cities in the Rhône region: Lyon and Saint-Étienne. The Groupama Stadium in Décines-Charpieu and the recently modernised Stade de la Loire would form the heart of this major event. This geographical choice aims to offer a credible alternative to other potential host countries, relying on solid infrastructure and strong enthusiasm from Lyon and Saint-Étienne supporters.
Beyond this immediate deadline, the FFF president also outlined the contours of a long-term project: the French bid to host a future World Cup. Philippe Diallo is pointing towards 2038, a period that would likely coincide with the expanded format of the tournament, which FIFA is considering holding across several countries simultaneously. This strategy would allow France to position itself as a major co-producer of a world-scale event, while reducing the logistical burden on a single nation.
This double announcement reflects a clear strategic vision from the federation, which wants to capitalise on current sporting momentum to secure major events. The stakes are no longer limited to simply hosting football teams; it is about strengthening France's image as a leading sports destination, capable of hosting both European finals and the pinnacle of world football.
According to information gathered, if the French bid were to be accepted by UEFA, the semi-finals and final would take place in two cities in the Rhône region: Lyon and Saint-Étienne. The Groupama Stadium in Décines-Charpieu and the recently modernised Stade de la Loire would form the heart of this major event. This geographical choice aims to offer a credible alternative to other potential host countries, relying on solid infrastructure and strong enthusiasm from Lyon and Saint-Étienne supporters.
Beyond this immediate deadline, the FFF president also outlined the contours of a long-term project: the French bid to host a future World Cup. Philippe Diallo is pointing towards 2038, a period that would likely coincide with the expanded format of the tournament, which FIFA is considering holding across several countries simultaneously. This strategy would allow France to position itself as a major co-producer of a world-scale event, while reducing the logistical burden on a single nation.
This double announcement reflects a clear strategic vision from the federation, which wants to capitalise on current sporting momentum to secure major events. The stakes are no longer limited to simply hosting football teams; it is about strengthening France's image as a leading sports destination, capable of hosting both European finals and the pinnacle of world football.
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Source: Ouest-France