Full Breakdown
United States Mulls 2038 World Cup Bid as 2026 Co-Hosting Nears Completion
6/26/2026, 8:55:19 PM
Task Force Signals Potential 2038 Bid
Andrew Giuliani, White House World Cup task force director, said the United States could bid for 2038 FIFA World Cup after the current tournament ends on 19 July, noting it can handle a 64-team format.
Upcoming Host Timeline and Expansion Plans
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will have 48 teams. FIFA is reviewing a 64-team format for 2030. The 2030 finals will be shared by Spain, Portugal and Morocco; Saudi Arabia will host 2034, making 2038 next bidding cycle.
Key Figures
Key voices include Andrew Giuliani, White House task force director; FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who confirmed President Donald Trump will attend the 2026 final in New Jersey; and human-rights groups warning immigration policies could restrict fans.
Infrastructure and Cost Outlook
Giuliani said the United States has stadiums built for 2026, costing “a couple billion” dollars, less than the “tens and tens of billions” spent by many past hosts, making a 64-team World Cup financially feasible.
Official Statements
Giuliani reiterated the United States is “exceptionally well-suited” to host again, citing its “incredible infrastructure” and “welcoming” fan environment, and noted talks with President Trump. Infantino’s confirmation of Trump’s attendance highlights the 2026 tournament. Human-rights groups warn immigration restrictions could limit fan access, with no response recorded.
Human-Rights Criticism
Human-rights organisations argue that the Trump administration’s immigration policies could limit participation by both domestic and international supporters, raising questions about the inclusivity of a future U.S.-hosted World Cup.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you think that this World Cup may at some point expand out to 64 teams, I think the United States can handle it.” — Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director, White House Task Force on the World Cup
- “We have the stadiums built, so for the US, compared to other host nations, where it costs tens and tens of billions of dollars, you know, it cost us a couple billion.” — Andrew Giuliani
- “He told the Press Association: "This is what I’ve spoken about with President Trump, with so many of our cabinet secretaries, I think there’s no better country that’s positioned to host a World Cup than the United States, and I think we’re seeing that on social media.” — Andrew Giuliani
- “One thing I'll tell you about my boss, and the 47th president – I've known him for, geez, close to 30 years now at this point – he likes a cliffhanger,” — Andrew Giuliani
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree no formal bid decision exists, but they differ on when an announcement might occur. Cost estimates remain qualitative—“a couple billion” versus “tens and tens of billions”—leaving the financial viability of a 64-team tournament unclear.
Future Steps
FIFA will open the 2038 bidding process after the 2026 tournament ends. The White House task force is expected to assess the United States’ candidacy in the months after the final, with any formal bid likely submitted before FIFA’s deadline.
