New Zealand Football are “cautiously optimistic” about where their host bid stands after confirmation of an increase in teams for the next World Cup.
Global governing body Fifa announced on Thursday the 2023 tournament will expand from 24 to 32 teams.
That’s left New Zealand – and the eight other countries who have registered to submit hosting bids – needing to now re-evaluate those bids if they want to remain in contention.
NZ Football boss Andrew Pragnell said they’re now waiting on updated hosting documents from Fifa.
“The devil is always in the detail with these things and what they haven’t done yet is send out the changes in specification for the hosting requirements.
“That document is due with us before the 19th of August, so we really need to take stock of that and if the compliance requirements around stadiums, training sites and accommodation have changed.
“That’ll give us a clear steer on where our bid’s at.”
