Trump Advocates for US to Host Another FIFA World Cup Without Canada and Mexico

Former US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the United States hosting another FIFA World Cup, suggesting a significant change in the regional hosting strategy that has included Canada and Mexico. Speaking at a press conference in New York, Trump emphasized a desire for the US to be the primary host without its North American partners.

Implications for Hosting Strategy and International Partnerships

During the briefing, Trump stated, "Next time, you should choose the United States again. This time, we're ready to host the World Cup without Canada and Mexico. Back then, I was very generous and allowed them to join. Now, let's do it without them, pick ourselves, and next time, invite someone else." This marks a notable departure from the collaborative hosting approach of the 2026 World Cup, which was jointly awarded to the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Trump also mentioned that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed support for this proposal, even suggesting China as a co-host alongside the United States. "Players will have shorter flights between games; I think they will like that," Trump explained, highlighting logistical advantages.

Infantino, present alongside Trump, praised the 2026 World Cup as "the greatest World Cup of all time" and acknowledged Trump's instrumental role in its success, saying the tournament would not have been as successful without him. Trump reciprocated the praise by calling the event "possibly the most successful sporting event in human history," noting that it challenged the perception of soccer's popularity in the US.

"Without you, this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success," Infantino remarked to Trump.

Trump also publicly commended FIFA's decision to revoke the suspension of US player Folarin Balogun, a move that had drawn international criticism. "You made an excellent, excellent, excellent decision," he said.

Looking ahead, Trump is expected to attend the final match of the 2026 World Cup at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, where Argentina and Spain will face off. He is slated to present the championship trophy, underlining his ongoing involvement in the tournament's legacy.

Meanwhile, the 2030 FIFA World Cup hosting rights have been allocated to Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with additional matches in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina, signaling the continued international rotation of the event. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 tournament, while the next open bidding opportunity for hosting, including a potential US bid, will occur for 2038.

The strategic shift proposed by Trump—prioritizing US-only hosting with potential Chinese partnership—could reshape FIFA's approach to tournament geography and logistics, with significant implications for the business and governance of international soccer. This proposal also reflects broader geopolitical considerations, as the US looks to recalibrate regional alliances and global partnerships in sport.