The World Cup could be coming to Ireland.
The Government has confirmed it's to make a joint bid for the 2030 competition, along with Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.
In a joint statement issued last night, the five football associations have described it as a massive opportunity.
“The football associations and government partners of the UK and Ireland are delighted that the UK government has committed to support a prospective five association bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
"We will continue to undertake feasibility work to assess the viability of a bid before FIFA formally open the process in 2022. Staging a FIFA 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.”
Junior Sport Minister Jack Chambers, says government will now focus on putting a plan together, with the bidding process due to open next year.
"The two islands can collectively present our credentials to the globe as a proud footballing country.
"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 2020/21, which will hopefully enable us to put forward a bid in 2022 with the other nations."
