FIFA Congress expected to advance North American bid for 2026 World Cup
FIFA’s 211 members will vote today on who will host the 2026 World Cup. Competing to host football’s biggest event are Morocco and a North American coalition of the US, Canada and Mexico—termed the United Bid.
While the outcome is still uncertain, of the associations that have announced their voting intentions the North American consortium holds a small edge of 27 to 20. In addition to leading the pre-announced vote tally, FIFA scored the United Bid a 4 out of 5, while Morocco only notched a 2.7. One factor is that with the North African country’s less developed infrastructure, the Western trio can easily argue they are better fit to host massive stadiums and influxes of tourists. Yet, Moscow claims hosting this year’s games will add $30 billion to Russia’s GDP; Morocco could be hoping for a similar benefit.
If the United Bid prevails, expect at most a momentary boost to North American solidarity before President Donald Trump returns to feuding with his continental neighbours. Although set to leave office a year before 2026 even if re-elected, by then enough lasting damage may have been done to relations between the trio to complicate any planned games.
Wake up smarter with an assessment of the stories that will make headlines in the next 24 hours. Download The Daily Brief.
