"Kazakhstan plans to be a candidate to host the World Cup in 2026" (A. Zhaksybekov)

"Kazakhstan plans to be a candidate to host the World Cup in 2026. We are currently preparing the documents for an application that we will send to FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football)," said Adilbek Zhaksybekov, the chairman of the Kazakh Federation, at the body's annual general meeting on 14/12/2014.

"We have reached an agreement in principle to organise the 2017 European Super Cup in Astana, and negotiations are underway to host the U-21 World Championship in 2019," said Adilbek Zhaksybekov.

• Although geographically situated in Asia, Kazakhstan has been affiliated with the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) since 2002, and affiliated to FIFA from 1994.
  • Astana (KAZ) hosted the 2014 UEFA Congress on 27/03/2014.

Almaty (Kazakhstan) candidate for the 2022 Winter Olympics

• Kazakhstan, via Almaty, is bidding to host the Winter Olympics in 2022.
• Beijing (China) is the only competitor of Almaty.
• The IOC (International Olympic Committee) will select the host city in July 2015.

"(After) 32 years, I am sure the 2026 edition belongs to CONCACAF" (J. Webb)