Core Viewpoint - Guangzhou government has officially issued a plan for building a sports city over the next decade, with a notable goal of jointly bidding for the World Cup alongside Hong Kong and Macau, igniting public interest in the city's sports future [1][10]. Group 1: Economic Impact of Hosting the World Cup - Hosting the World Cup is seen as a lucrative opportunity for countries, leading to infrastructure upgrades, urban renewal, and tourism booms, which are reflected in historical economic growth data [1][5]. - For instance, Qatar's GDP growth surged to 19.6% in 2011 after winning the 2022 World Cup bid, with the GDP reaching $226.2 billion during the event year due to significant investments in infrastructure [5]. Group 2: Challenges and Considerations - The process of bidding for the World Cup is complex, with potential pitfalls such as the "white elephant effect," where the costs of maintaining large venues exceed the economic benefits [8][9]. - Historical examples, like the 2014 Brazil World Cup, illustrate the risks of overspending on infrastructure, with costs ballooning to $140-150 billion, far exceeding initial budgets [9]. Group 3: Guangzhou's Preparedness - Guangzhou's bid is supported by the Chinese Football Association and requires formal application to FIFA, indicating a serious commitment to the initiative [11][12]. - The city has a strong financial backing, being the capital of Guangdong province, which consistently ranks high in GDP, and has a history of hosting large-scale events since the 2010 Asian Games [14][15]. Group 4: Soft and Hard Infrastructure - Guangzhou's "soft power" includes extensive event hosting experience and regional collaboration within the Greater Bay Area, enhancing its capability to manage large-scale events [17][23]. - The city is addressing its "hard infrastructure" needs by planning new stadiums and upgrading existing facilities to meet FIFA's stringent requirements for World Cup venues [24][25]. Group 5: Timeline and Future Prospects - The next opportunity for an Asian bid for the World Cup is not until 2038, due to FIFA's rotation policy, making Guangzhou's aspirations a long-term endeavor [31][32]. - Despite the long wait, the potential benefits of hosting the World Cup could catalyze significant urban and economic development in the Greater Bay Area, enhancing infrastructure and service standards [37][39].