Malaysia hopes to one day host the FIFA World Cup, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, outlining an ambitious vision for the country’s football future.
Speaking at a public viewing of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain on Sunday, Zahid said he also hoped Malaysia’s national football team would qualify for the tournament and represent Southeast Asia.
“God willing, one day we aspire to make Malaysia a host of the World Cup,” he said.
“Hopefully, by then, the Malaysian team will be among the World Cup participants representing Southeast Asia.”
Malaysia has never hosted the FIFA World Cup or qualified for the men’s tournament. The country’s national team, known as Harimau Malaya, is currently ranked 136th in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings.
