The United States, Canada and Mexico have declared their intention to submit a unified bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time that three nations would host a FIFA competition. The announcement was made by U. S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati, CONCACAF and Canadian Soccer Association President Victor Montagliani and Federación Mexicana de Fútbol President Decio de Maria at One World Observatory in New York City.
“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 three CONCACAF member nations have hosted 13 FIFA World Cup events combined, setting attendance records for five of those events.
“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.”
“Canada Soccer is honored to partner with fellow CONCACAF member associations USA and Mexico to bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Montagliani. “We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with fellow CONCACAF member associations U.S. Soccer and Federación Mexicana de Fútbol under the FIFA Council principles for joint bids and to continue our tradition of hosting record-breaking international events.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature the expanded 48-team competition format.