2026 World Cup: ‘United’ North American bid wins vote against Morocco

Canada, Mexico

Canada, Mexico and the United States will
host the World Cup in eight years’ time

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Announced today at the 68th Fifa Congress in Moscow, Russia, the
“United 2026” bid had 134 votes from delegates compared to 65 for
Morocco. One vote – from Iran – was cast for “none of the
bids”. 

The football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland all voted for the United campaign.

Speaking at the Fifa congress after the result, US Soccer
president Carlos Cordiero said: “It’s a bit emotional for us today.
Thank you so, so very much for this incredible honour. Thank you
for entrusting us with the privilege of hosting the Fifa World Cup
in 2026. The beautiful game transcends borders and cultures.
Football today is the only victor.”

In a joint statement Cordiero, Canada Soccer president
Steven Reed and Mexican FA president Decio De Maria thanked
supporters. The statement said: “Canada, Mexico and the United
States have been granted the honour of hosting the world’s most
extraordinary sporting event for many reasons, but one of the
biggest was because of the passion of our fans across our three
countries.

“Yes, you had a major impact! Your enthusiasm – not just
for your own teams, but for teams from all over the world – helped
us demonstrate to Fifa and football federations across the globe
that we will be able to deliver the absolute best experience for
players and fans in 2026.”

US President Donald Trump, who wants to build a wall on the
US-Mexican border, tweeted: “The U.S., together with Mexico and
Canada, just got the World Cup. Congratulations – a great deal of
hard work!” 

Mexico (1970 and 1986) and the US (1994) have previously
hosted World Cups but this will be the first time the tournament
will be shared by three hosts.

For Morocco this is the fifth time the north African
nation has bid, and failed, to win the right to host a World Cup
finals.

How the 2026 World Cup will work

The 2026 Fifa World Cup is set to be the biggest ever with 48
teams, the BBC reports, and the three nations will host 80
matches over 34 days.

Of the 80 games, 60 will be held in the US while ten matches
will each be played in Canada and Mexico. Sky Sports reports that the final will be held
at the 84,953-capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The MetLife Stadium is home to New York NFL teams the Giants
and Jets.

There will be 16 host cities: ten in the US and three each
in Canada and Mexico.