**US Weighs Bid for 2038 FIFA World Cup, Says White House Officia

The United States is seriously considering bidding to host the 2038 FIFA World Cup, even as it co-hosts the expanded 2026 tournament with Canada and Mexico, according to Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House World Cup Task Force.
Speaking about the country's long-term ambitions, Giuliani said the US has the capacity to stage an even larger World Cup if FIFA decides to expand the tournament from 48 to 64 teams in the future.
"If the World Cup eventually grows to 64 teams, I still believe the United States has the capability to host it," Giuliani said. "But before talking about a bid for 2038, our priority is to successfully deliver the current World Cup through July 19."
The 2026 edition is the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams. FIFA is also considering a further expansion to 64 teams for future editions.
The 2038 tournament will be the next World Cup for which FIFA is expected to open a fresh bidding process. The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while the opening three centenary matches will take place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. Saudi Arabia has already been confirmed as the host of the 2034 edition.
Despite the optimism surrounding the tournament, the United States has faced criticism during the ongoing World Cup over its immigration policies, rising travel costs and visa restrictions affecting the Iranian delegation. Several members of Iran's coaching staff were reportedly denied US visas, forcing the team to relocate its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.
However, Giuliani expressed confidence that such issues would not overshadow the country's overall ability to host the world's biggest football event. He said he had discussed the matter with President Donald Trump, emphasizing that no other nation is better positioned to stage the tournament.
"There is no country better equipped than the United States to host a World Cup," Giuliani said. "We have world-class infrastructure, the capacity to welcome millions of fans, and most of our stadiums are already built. Unlike many countries, we don't have to spend decades constructing new infrastructure."
He added that the World Cup is giving the world an opportunity to see the United States in a new light.
"As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, it is truly exciting to showcase our country to the world through this tournament," Giuliani said.

MMR