Although Canada and Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States remains the tournament’s principal host, staging 78 of the competition’s 104 matches. While the event has showcased the country’s extensive sporting infrastructure, it has also attracted criticism over high ticket prices, visa complications and rising travel costs for supporters.
Even before the current tournament has concluded, the United States has signalled its ambition to host another World Cup. Andrew Giuliano, Executive Director of the White House World Cup Task Force, has indicated that the country is considering submitting a solo bid to stage the 2038 FIFA World Cup.
The 2026 tournament marks the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32. FIFA has also discussed the possibility of expanding the competition even further to 64 teams by 2030. Speaking to the BBC, Giuliano argued that no country is better equipped than the United States to organise a tournament of such magnitude.
“If the World Cup eventually expands to 64 teams, the United States has the capacity to deliver it successfully,” he said, pointing to the country’s existing stadiums, transport network and event-management experience.
Although he stopped short of officially announcing a bid, Giuliano strongly hinted at America’s long-term ambitions. He said the immediate priority was ensuring the successful completion of the current World Cup before turning attention to a possible campaign for the 2038 tournament.
The 2038 edition will be the next World Cup available for a fresh bidding process. FIFA has already selected the hosts for the two preceding tournaments. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will jointly stage the 2030 World Cup, with the opening three centenary matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the sole host of the 2034 tournament.
The current World Cup has not been without controversy. FIFA has faced criticism following travel restrictions linked to the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. In April, special travel advisories affected players, journalists and supporters from more than 120 countries planning to visit the United States. Fans have also complained about soaring accommodation, transport and general travel expenses during the competition.
Geopolitical tensions have added another layer of scrutiny. The conflict involving the United States and Iran has affected travel arrangements for the Iranian national team, which has reportedly been required to return to Mexico immediately after its matches instead of remaining in the United States between fixtures.
Despite these challenges, the United States is still viewed as an attractive future host because of its commercial strength and established sporting infrastructure. The country’s vast consumer market is also regarded as highly valuable for FIFA. Reflecting that importance, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has already relocated the organisation’s legal department from Zurich, Switzerland, to Florida in the United States.
Giuliano insisted that no other nation is better prepared to host a tournament on such a scale. He said the positive experiences shared by visiting supporters and the hospitality shown by local communities demonstrated the country’s readiness to welcome football fans from around the world.
He also argued that the United States has spent considerably less on infrastructure than many previous hosts because most of its stadiums and transport facilities were already in place. While other countries have invested tens of billions of dollars preparing for a World Cup, Giuliano said the United States had only needed to spend a few billion dollars to deliver the tournament.
Whether the United States formally submits a bid for the 2038 FIFA World Cup remains to be seen. However, comments from senior officials leave little doubt that the country intends to remain at the forefront of hosting football’s biggest global event.
