It's World Cup talk again. But this time it's not about participating, it's about hosting.
The football-focused social network 'The Touchline' reported on the 10th (Korea time) that "Italy is preparing a bid to host the 2038 World Cup." The news spread quickly through social media. Released alongside an image of the World Cup trophy, the announcement implied more than a simple plan.
The problem is timing. Italy recently suffered a disastrous result at the World Cup. Following the 2018 Russia World Cup and the 2022 Qatar World Cup, it also failed to qualify for the 2026 North American World Cup.
It was a moment that made the name of a traditional power seem hollow. They collapsed repeatedly in the European qualifying rounds. The shock was large. Their pride crumbled as well.
The "World Cup hosting" card played in this situation creates a strange contrast. Inside the stadium they repeated failures, but outside the stadium it is a declaration to stand at the center of the world again. It is literally ironic.
Italy is a country historically closely connected to the World Cup. It hosted the World Cup twice, in 1934 and 1990. The 1990 tournament, in particular, remains a symbolic memory. But since then it has been distant from both hosting and on-field results.
So this challenge is not a simple bid competition. It is an attempt to recover a fallen stature. It is a strategic approach to reestablish the identity of a football powerhouse.
But opinions are divided. There are also criticisms that "they should solve qualification for the finals before hosting." In fact, three consecutive failures to qualify are not a mere coincidence.
The prevailing view is that it is a structural problem. A comprehensive reexamination is needed, from youth systems and league competitiveness to national team management. Ultimately the core is clear. Hosting is the appearance. Results are the essence.
If Italy cannot return to the World Cup stage, the 2038 hosting declaration is likely to remain an empty cry. Conversely, if a return to the finals and a recovery of competitiveness accompany it, this challenge could become a symbolic signal of revival.<
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