The United States, Canada and Mexico on Monday launched a joint bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
United States Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati, CONCACAF and Canadian Soccer Association president Victor Montagliani and Federación Mexicana de Fútbol president Decio de Maria made the announcement at One World Observatory in New York City. If the bid is accepted, it will be the first time three countries have hosted a World Cup and the first joint World Cup since Korea and Japan in 2002.
"This is a milestone day for U.S. Soccer and for CONCACAF,” Gulati said. “We gave careful consideration to the prospect of bidding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and ultimately feel strongly this is the right thing for our region and for our sport. Along with our partners from the Canadian Soccer Association and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, we are confident that we will submit an exemplary bid worthy of bringing the FIFA World Cup back to North America. The United States, Mexico and Canada have individually demonstrated their exceptional abilities to host world-class events. When our nations come together as one, as we will for 2026, there is no question the United States, Mexico and Canada will deliver an experience that will celebrate the game and serve players, supporters and partners alike.”
The 2026 World Cup will be the first with the recently expanded 48-team format. The United States hosted in 1994, while Mexico was the first nation to host twice when they held it in 1970 and 1986. Canada hosted the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“For the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, and the entire Mexican soccer family, it is a source of pride to be candidates, along with the United States and Canada, to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026,” de Maria said. “We have a unique opportunity to be the first country to host three World Cups. As such we are filled with pride and committed to make it the best ever.”
