Ireland and the UK are to make a joint bid to host the World Cup in 2030.

A Government spokesperson confirmed the prospective five-association bid in a statement last night.

It comes after the UK Prime Minister said millions in funding would be set aside for the bid in today’s UK budget.

“The football and Government partners of Ireland and the UK are delighted that the UK government has committed to support a prospective five association bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup,” said the spokesperson.

Feasibility work on the bid is ongoing and the spokesperson said “extensive engagement and collaboration” with the UK will continue as the plan is refined in the coming months.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the Government will cooperate with the UK to try and bring the tournament here.

He said: "The whole idea of Ireland as a location for major events is something successive governments have been pushing for.

"It's early days, but we'll certainly do whatever we can to add value to that proposition.

"I think sports fans will be particularly happy with that, and it would be something to look forward to."

'Putting the best bid forward'

The Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers told Newstalk that the bid could be officially tabled next year.

“The two islands can collectively can present our credentials to the globe,” he said.

“I know the Irish Government will engage in a very positive way with the other nations in putting the best bid forward and we look forward to continuing the feasibility work through 2021 which will hopefully enable us to put forward a bid in 2022 with the other nations.”

He said the finer details of the plan are still being worked out.

“The specifics on the capacity requirements for different stadia, that will all be worked through the feasibility work that is ongoing through the different nations and the respective football associations so that work will continue through 2021.

“I think we can present our credentials to the globe and I think we will be a very open, welcoming country for such an important event in 2030.”

The Government spokesperson said staging the World Cup would “provide an incredible opportunity to deliver tangible benefits for our nations.”

“If a decision is made to bid for the event, we look forward to presenting our hosting proposals to FIFA and the wider global football community.”

Ireland is one of 12 countries due to host games for this summer’s rescheduled European Championships; however, the cross-continental plan may be dropped due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Johnson yesterday confirmed that the UK has offered to host extra games for the tournament with Russia also believed to be interested.