The United States could become a contender to host the 2038 FIFA World Cup, according to Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House’s World Cup Task Force.
Giuliani said the country has the infrastructure and experience needed to stage an even bigger World Cup in the future.
The United States is currently preparing to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, an increase from the previous 32-team format.
FIFA is also considering expanding the competition further to 64 teams, possibly from the 2030 edition.
Speaking about a possible future bid, Giuliani said the United States has the ability to handle a larger tournament.
“When you think that this World Cup may at some point expand out to 64 teams, I think the United States can handle it.”
He added that the country wants to focus on successfully delivering the 2026 tournament before considering future bids.
“Let me make sure we get through this World Cup on 19 July before we make our pitch for 2038 or other ones.” as quoted by BBC.
The 2038 World Cup is the next tournament without an announced host, giving countries the opportunity to compete for the hosting rights.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay also hosting opening matches to celebrate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.
Saudi Arabia has already been selected to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
If the United States decides to bid for the 2038 tournament, it would rely on the experience gained from hosting the expanded 2026 competition.
