Chris Stearns

United 2026 World Cup Bid Committee Formed

Ahead of the start of this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, the national confederations of Canada, Mexico, and the United States have formally issued a bid committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the three countries.

The 2026 World Cup marks the first tournament that will feature an expanded field of 48 teams, which was approved by FIFA at the start of this year. It would also mark the first time FIFA uses multiple host countries since South Korea and Japan co-hosted the 2002 tournament.

In April, it was announced that the United States will host 60 of the matches, including every match from the Quarterfinals and onward. Canada and Mexico would each host ten matches, including Group Stages and then Round of 32 and Round of 16 knockout games.

Following the April announcement, the CONCACAF trio got the FIFA Council to approve an expedited bid process that will see the official host selected on June 13, 2018.

The United States is too large of a country for FIFA to ignore when it comes to hosting duties, following Qatar being awarded the 2022 World Cup. Infrastructure and stadiums already in place? Check. Media and sponsorship dollars? Check. 100 million soccer fans and growing? Check. All signs point to the United 2026 bid being approved next June, which gives fans, and marketers, 8 years to get ready.

Read more about the Official Bid Committee here.

Categories: Mexican National Team, Press, U.S. Soccer, World Cup