Japan is preparing a seven-country bid to host the 2046 FIFA World Cup, with Thailand included alongside South Korea, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The Japan Football Association (JFA) said the proposed partnership would bring East Asian and Southeast Asian countries together, drawing on their existing football infrastructure and stadium capacities.

FIFA is expected to begin its selection process for the 2046 tournament around 2031. The competition is expected to use an expanded format of at least 48 teams, increasing the need for large venues, transport links and supporting facilities.

Rajamangala would be Thailand's main asset

Thailand's Rajamangala National Stadium, in Bangkok, has a capacity of around 70,000, making it one of the larger venues in the proposed regional plan.

It would sit alongside Malaysia's Bukit Jalil National Stadium, which holds nearly 90,000 people, and two Indonesian stadiums with capacities above 80,000: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and Jakarta International Stadium.

Singapore's National Stadium can accommodate about 55,000 spectators. The JFA said the joint proposal was based on the infrastructure and stadium capacity already available across the seven countries.

No details have been announced on how matches, training bases or fan travel would be divided between the potential co-hosts. A tournament shared by seven countries would, however, require close coordination on flights, accommodation, local transport and stadium access.

What a joint tournament could mean for Thailand

A successful bid could eventually bring a major influx of international football supporters to Bangkok and other parts of the country selected for tournament activity.

Thailand's inclusion also does not mean it has been confirmed as a host. The proposal remains a prospective bid led by Japan, with FIFA yet to open the formal selection process.

Vietnam left out of proposal

Vietnam was not included in the proposed bid, reportedly because of concerns about its sports infrastructure. Its My Dinh National Stadium holds just over 40,000 people and has been criticised in recent years over its ageing condition and outdated design.

The 2046 World Cup's anticipated 48-team format will require not only bigger stadiums but also stronger transport networks and more extensive facilities across host locations.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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23 July 2026

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At this rate the trophy will need its own passport. 🏆🛂😂

Perplexing to me to have the event spread over several countries, the extra complexity and logistics must be amazing. Doesn't FIFA get enough envelopes!

If Qatar can do it alone why not other countries.