South Korea and Japan, football giants of East Asia, are considering a joint bid to host the 2035 Asian Cup, an ambitious move reminiscent of their historic and successful partnership in organizing the 2002 World Cup. Officials from the two countries' football federations confirmed on Friday that the idea is under consideration, opening the door to a new chapter of sporting cooperation between the neighbors.
Historical background of successful cooperation
This approach builds on the remarkable legacy of the 2002 World Cup, the first tournament held in Asia and the first to be co-hosted in the competition's history. Despite logistical and political challenges, that edition was an unprecedented success, both organizationally and in terms of fan engagement, and contributed to the development of sports infrastructure in both countries, leaving behind world-class stadiums and extensive organizational expertise. Returning to the idea of co-hosting not only reflects mutual trust but also represents a smart strategy for sharing costs and leveraging existing facilities.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, hosting the Asian Cup would be a major boost for football in both countries. South Korea hasn't hosted the tournament since 1960, while Japan last hosted it in 1992. Organizing the tournament would reignite passion for the game domestically, boost both economies through sports tourism, and encourage the development of young talent. Regionally, a joint bid from two footballing powers of this stature would enhance East Asia's standing on the continental football stage and set a model for regional cooperation. Internationally, this move carries significant diplomatic implications, contributing to improved bilateral relations between Seoul and Tokyo, which have historically been strained.
Official statements and the future of the file
A Korean football official told AFP that officials are considering various options, and that a joint bid with Japan is “one of the possible strategies,” adding that the plans are still in their early stages and require approval from both governments. The Japanese Football Association confirmed that it is “conducting various studies” regarding the possibility of submitting a bid, noting that the option of a joint bid with South Korea and other countries has been discussed, but “no concrete decision has been made yet.”.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is scheduled to announce the host countries for the 2031 and 2035 editions simultaneously in 2027, giving both countries ample time to prepare strong and comprehensive bids. In the meantime, all eyes are on Saudi Arabia, which will host the next edition of the tournament in 2027.
