What Is 2026 FIFA World Cup bids

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico after their unified bid won over Morocco in June 2018. This will be the first 48-team tournament, expanding from the previous 32-team format.

Key Facts

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico
The bid was awarded on June 13, 2018, during the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow
This will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, up from 32
The United Bid defeated Morocco by a vote of 134 to 65
Mexico will become the first country to host or co-host the men's World Cup three times

Overview

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic expansion in both format and international collaboration. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted across three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, under a unified bid known as the United 2026 Bid.

This decision was made by FIFA in 2018, following a competitive bidding process that included Morocco as the sole rival. The expansion from 32 to 48 teams significantly increases the number of matches and global participation, reshaping World Cup logistics and economics.

16 host cities will be used across the three countries, with 10 in the U.S., 3 in Canada, and 3 in Mexico, each city hosting multiple matches.
The opening match is scheduled for June 11, 2026, with the final set for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The United Bid was officially submitted in April 2018 and emphasized transparency, infrastructure readiness, and financial viability compared to Morocco’s proposal.
FIFA received over $11 billion in projected revenue assurances from the North American bid, far exceeding Morocco’s estimated $5.8 billion.
Mexico will become the first country to host or co-host the men’s World Cup three times, having previously hosted in 1970 and 1986.

How It Works

The bidding and selection process for the FIFA World Cup involves strict criteria, inspections, and a final vote by FIFA’s Congress. For 2026, the process was reformed to increase transparency and reduce corruption risks after past scandals.

Host Selection Process: FIFA members vote during the FIFA Congress. In 2018, 203 of 207 eligible members cast ballots, with a simple majority required to win.
Bid Evaluation: FIFA’s Bid Evaluation Report scored the United Bid at 4.0 out of 5, while Morocco scored 2.7, citing infrastructure and commercial viability.
Infrastructure: The U.S. alone has over 20 stadiums meeting FIFA standards, reducing construction costs, whereas Morocco planned to build 9 new stadiums.
Security and Travel: North America scored higher on safety, with low crime rates and established international travel networks across the three countries.
Commercial Viability: The bid projected $14 billion in revenue from broadcasting, sponsorships, and tickets, leveraging the U.S. media market and corporate partnerships.
Legacy and Inclusion: The bid emphasized gender equity, proposing equal prize money for future Women’s World Cups and investments in youth soccer across North America.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a detailed comparison of the United 2026 Bid versus Morocco’s bid:

Criteria	United 2026 (USA, Canada, Mexico)	Morocco
Stadium Readiness	16 existing or under-renovation stadiums, minimal new construction needed	Planned 9 new stadiums, raising cost and timeline concerns
Projected Revenue	$14 billion from media, sponsorships, and tickets	$5.8 billion, significantly lower due to market size
Hotel Capacity	Over 1.5 million hotel rooms across 16 cities	Approximately 60,000 rooms, requiring rapid expansion
Transport Infrastructure	Extensive air, rail, and highway networks in place	Planned high-speed rail upgrades, not yet operational
FIFA Evaluation Score	4.0 out of 5	2.7 out of 5

The table highlights why FIFA’s Council and Congress favored the North American bid. While Morocco demonstrated strong political support and past hosting experience with youth tournaments, the scale of infrastructure development and financial projections made it a higher-risk option. The United Bid’s use of existing stadiums, robust transportation, and commercial strength gave it a decisive edge.

Why It Matters

The 2026 World Cup sets a precedent for multinational hosting and tournament expansion, influencing future FIFA decisions and global soccer development. Its success could encourage more collaborative bids and broader geographic representation in hosting rights.

First 48-team format: The tournament will include 80 matches, up from 64, increasing global access for smaller soccer nations.
Economic impact: Expected to generate over $5 billion in economic activity across North America, especially in host cities.
Women’s soccer investment: The bid committed to advancing gender equity, potentially influencing future Women’s World Cup prize structures.
Regional cooperation: Marks the first time three nations jointly host a men’s World Cup, setting a model for future bids.
U.S. soccer growth: Hosting will likely boost MLS attendance, youth participation, and National Team visibility.
Global influence: Expanding to 48 teams gives African, Asian, and Caribbean nations more qualification slots, promoting inclusivity.

As the first World Cup of its scale and structure, the 2026 event will reshape how FIFA evaluates bids and distributes opportunities, emphasizing sustainability, equity, and economic feasibility.