US considers bid for 2038 World Cup
The United States may propose a bid to host the 2038 World Cup once the ongoing tournament concludes this summer, according to Andrew Giuliani, a senior member of the White House task force overseeing the event, reports BritPanorama.
Giuliani, who is the executive director of the group, expressed confidence that the US possesses the necessary infrastructure and experience to successfully stage another global football competition, despite already being set to co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
The current tournament features an expanded format of 48 teams, with 78 of the 104 matches scheduled to take place in the United States. As FIFA weighs the prospect of further increasing the competition to 64 nations for the 2030 World Cup, Giuliani assured that the US could accommodate even larger events.
“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 stated, adding, “Let me make sure we get through this World Cup on 19 July before we make our pitch for 2038 or other ones.”
The 2038 finals will be the next available World Cup for which a bidding process has yet to be established. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco have already secured hosting rights for the 2030 tournament, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay set to host the opening matches as part of the centenary celebrations.
Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 2034 World Cup, creating a timeline that places the US in a competitive position for the subsequent event. Giuliani’s remarks come amid scrutiny surrounding the US’s management of the current tournament.
In recent months, over 120 organizations issued a travel advisory, urging caution for supporters and players amidst what they described as a problematic immigration policy under the Trump administration, which has led to increased travel costs for fans attending matches. Diplomatic tensions have also affected the tournament, as Iran’s coaching staff faced visa issues, necessitating their team’s relocation to Tijuana, Mexico, for their base during the competition.
Despite these challenges, Giuliani maintains that the tournament has effectively demonstrated the country’s capabilities. “I’ve spoken to President Donald Trump about it and there’s no better country that’s positioned to host a World Cup than the United States,” he noted, reflecting on social media reactions and the warm reception of visitors.
With the infrastructure already in place, the US has reportedly spent significantly less compared to other host nations. “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 of billion,” Giuliani concluded.
As the World Cup unfolds, the blend of sports and international relations continues to stir debate, underscoring the intricacies of modern mega-events.
