World Cup 2026 Not Over, But USA Already Eyeing Another Hosting Bid Soon

The current World Cup isn't even over, but the US administration is already openly expressing its desire to host another tournament soon. Although US President Donald Trump found himself embroiled in a serious scandal during the tournament, openly telling the media he had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to demand the red card for star player Folarin Balogun be overturned for the Round of 16 clash with Belgium, he appears deeply invested in the tournament. According to various media reports, Trump was very pleased with the tournament's presentation and the significant profit opportunities, and he reportedly wants to leverage his close relationship with Infantino to support a new US bid.

The next two World Cups are set for Spain, Portugal, and Morocco in 2030, though Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will also co-host several matches. Consequently, Europe, Africa, and Asia are ineligible to bid for the 2038 World Cup, and Oceania has not yet expressed such ambitions, making North America (CONCACAF) the absolute favorite and, in practice, the only viable option.

“If we consider that this World Cup (2038) could expand to 64 teams at some point, I think the United States can handle it,” stated Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House expert working group for the 2026 World Cup.