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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina and Uruguay are going ahead with plans to make a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup despite expected competition from China and others.
The South American neighbors are counting on sentimental support with Uruguay hosting the first World Cup in 1930.
Argentine sports secretary Carlos Mac Allister said in a Wednesday interview that the presidents of both countries and leaders of the two national soccer federations had agreed to move ahead.
Politicians will face questions about potentially spending billions on soccer stadiums. South American neighbor Brazil hosted the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics and was roundly criticized for building "white elephant" sports venues and ignoring run-down schools and hospitals.
Argentina (1978 and 1986) and Uruguay (1930 and 1950) have each won the World Cup twice.
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