Saudis, Bahrain, UAE join to bid for FIFA's U-20 World Cup

GENEVA: Middle East neighbors Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates are jointly bidding to host the Under-20 World Cup in 2021.

FIFA says the Gulf plan is among five to express interest in bidding, including Brazil.

Indonesia, Peru and a Myanmar-Thailand joint bid are the others.

FIFA announced the contenders Thursday, one day after dropping a proposal for Qatar to share hosting duties for the 2022 World Cup with regional neighbours.

The 2021 U20 contenders must submit a formal bid by August 30. FIFA's ruling Council will pick the winner, likely in October.

The 2019 edition kicks off Thursday in Poland.