Trump Proposes US-Hosted FIFA World Cup Without Canada and Mexico, Including China as Co-Host
Former President Trump advocates a solo US bid for a future FIFA World Cup, excluding Canada and Mexico, with China as a potential co-host, signaling strategic shifts in global football hosting.
Former US President Donald Trump expressed his intention to host another FIFA World Cup in the United States, emphasizing a new hosting strategy that excludes Canada and Mexico and potentially includes China as a co-host. This move could reshape the competitive landscape of international football tournaments and represents a strategic recalibration of the US approach to global sports events.
Strategic Shift in Host Country Collaboration
Speaking at a press conference in New York, Trump stated, "Next time, you should select the US again. This time, we are ready to host the World Cup without Canada and Mexico. Previously, I was very generous and allowed them to join. Now, let's do it differently: we will manage without them, choose ourselves, and next time invite someone else." This statement marks a departure from the current collaborative hosting model for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is a joint effort among the US, Canada, and Mexico.
"We will manage without them, choose ourselves, and next time invite someone else." — Donald Trump
Trump's stance signals a deliberate decision to assert the US's dominance in hosting rights, potentially aiming to consolidate more control and branding opportunities within the lucrative global football event space. This recalibration could influence FIFA's future allocation strategies and reshape North American football hosting dynamics.
Emerging Partnership with China
Trump also mentioned that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has already approved the idea of hosting the next World Cup jointly between the US and China. "Players will have short flights between matches, and I think they will appreciate that," Trump noted. This proposed US-China co-hosting arrangement would represent a significant realignment in FIFA's hosting approach, blending Western and Asian markets to leverage the vast commercial, broadcast, and fan engagement potential in both regions.
Including China as a co-host reflects a strategic business decision to tap into the rapidly expanding Chinese football market and a bid to globalize the tournament further. For corporate stakeholders and sponsors, this could unlock new revenue streams and partnerships in Asia, while for football management, it raises logistical considerations about travel and infrastructure.
Reflections on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
At the same press briefing, FIFA President Gianni Infantino acclaimed the 2026 World Cup as "the greatest World Cup of all time." He praised Trump's role in making the event a tremendous success, stating, "Without you, this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success." Trump reciprocated by calling the tournament "the most successful sporting event, possibly in the history of humanity," highlighting the breakthrough in US football culture. "I thought we were not a football country, but it turned out otherwise. I believe this will continue," he added.
Management Decisions Impacting Player Participation
Trump also commended FIFA for overturning the suspension of US national team player Folarin Balogun, a decision that had faced global criticism. "You made an excellent, excellent, excellent decision," he said, reflecting the importance of player eligibility and disciplinary management in maintaining competitive integrity and public relations.
Looking Ahead: World Cup Hosting Timeline
The upcoming FIFA World Cups are already scheduled with multinational hosts: the 2030 tournament will be shared by Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and three South American countries—Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. The 2034 World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia. The next available hosting slot for which the US could bid is 2038, positioning this proposed plan either as a strategic early move or a broader long-term vision.
Trump is expected to personally attend the final match of the 2026 World Cup at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Argentina will face Spain on July 19. He will have the honor of presenting the championship trophy, further underscoring the US's elevated role in international football governance and event hosting.
This proposed shift to a US-centric hosting model with China as a partner highlights evolving corporate strategies in global sports event management, reflecting broader geopolitical and commercial considerations in the world's most popular sport.
