North American Trio Wins FIFA World Cup 2026 Bid

Earlier today, A North American joint bid, consisting of the United States, Canada and Mexico, won the right to host the 2026 soccer World Cup. This will be the first time, since 1994, with the majority of matches, including the final in the United States.

Over the past year, U.S. soccer officials worked to form an alliance with Mexican and Canadian colleagues. The trio will begin planning for 48-teams, 80-match tournaments at 16 venues around the three countries. The bid defeated Morocco in an unexpected vote 134-65. Voters were pulled over by promises of record breaking crowds, and a large amount of revenue, bringing in $11 billion in profit for FIFA.

The victory also comes at a surprise given the political relationship between the United States and its allies — growing more tense than its been in years.

Many were worries about the outcome of the vote with President Trump’s comments and policies; this spring the president threatened FIFA member countries, that were planning to support Morocco. However, the triumph put the concerns to rest.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto released a video statement, saying that this proof that the three host countries were “deeply united.” President Trump also congratulated the countries on Twitter. Although Trump will not be in office in 2026, it was important to the organization to have the Administration’s support.

The U.S., together with Mexico and Canada, just got the World Cup. Congratulations – a great deal of hard work!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018

Twenty-three cities, including Washington, Los Angeles and Toronto are in the running to become one of the 16 venues. A decision is not expected for another two years.

The 2026 World Cup final is reportedly going to be held at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey!

🏟 82,500 capacity
🗽 30 minute drive from Manhattan

🇺🇸 Not bad, America. Not bad. pic.twitter.com/cL2ZwLc9Wc

— Team FA 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@TeamFA) June 13, 2018