Malaysia hopes to one day host the FIFA World Cup, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressing the country’s ambition to stage football’s biggest tournament on home soil.
Speaking while attending a giant-screen viewing of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, alongside the Semarak Subuh programme at Bangi Square 2, Zahid said he also hopes to see the national team qualify for the tournament and proudly represent Southeast Asia. Hosting the FIFA World Cup is regarded as one of the greatest achievements for any football-loving nation, requiring years of planning, world-class infrastructure and strong international support.
“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,” he added.
Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the aspiration reflects Malaysia’s desire to continue developing football while raising its profile on the global stage.
His remarks come as the national team, Harimau Malaya, continues to make steady progress in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
According to the latest rankings, Malaysia has climbed two places to 136th in the world after collecting 1,086.22 ranking points, improving from its previous position of 138th.
The improved ranking is expected to provide further encouragement for Malaysian football as the country continues its long-term efforts to strengthen the national squad and compete at the highest international level.
