U.S., Canada, Mexico partner for joint 2026 World Cup bid

The United States Soccer Federation, in partnership with Canada and Mexico, on Monday announced a joint bid to host the 2026 World Cup.

The North American proposal for 2026, which will mark the first time the World Cup field is expanded from 32 to 48 teams, would feature 60 matches played in the United States and 10 each in Canada and Mexico.

President Donald Trump, despite his calls to build a wall on the American-Mexico border, is a proponent of the proposal, said U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati, who previously expressed concerns that a proposed travel ban could affect the North American bid.

"We're not going to get too much into politics today in discussing American foreign policy or anyone else's foreign policy," Gulati said Monday. "What I can tell you is we have very specifically addressed this with the president, he is fully supportive of the joint bid, encouraged the joint bid and especially pleased with the fact that Mexico is participating in this joint bid with us. I think those are all positives."

If North American is named the host site, it would mark the first time that soccer's showcase event was hosted by more than two countries. The United States last hosted the World Cup in 1994.

"We don't believe sport can solve all the issues in the world but, especially with what's going on in the world today, we believe this is a hugely positive signal and symbol of what we can do together in unifying people, especially in our three countries," Gulati said.