Friday 26 June 2026

United States eyeing 2038 World Cup bid despite controversy at 2026 tournament

WATCH NOW: Paul Coyte discusses the weirdest World Cup moments

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 26/06/2026

- 11:57

The format is set to be expanded again in the future

The United States could launch a bid to host the 2038 World Cup once this summer's tournament comes to an end, according to a senior member of the White House task force overseeing the competition.

Andrew Giuliani, who serves as executive director of the group, believes America has both the infrastructure and experience required to stage another global showpiece despite already co-hosting the 2026 edition alongside Canada and Mexico.


The expanded 48-team World Cup has seen the United States take centre stage, with 78 of the tournament's 104 matches being played across the country.

And with FIFA exploring the possibility of increasing the competition to 64 nations as early as 2030, Giuliani is confident the US would still be capable of accommodating an even larger event.

"When you think that this World Cup may at some point expand out to 64 teams, I think the United States can handle it," Giuliani said.

"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 represent the next available World Cup for which a bidding process has yet to be completed.

The United States could launch a bid to host the 2038 World Cup once this summer's tournament comes to an end, according to a senior member of the White House task force overseeing the competition

The United States could launch a bid to host the 2038 World Cup once this summer's tournament comes to an end, according to a senior member of the White House task force overseeing the competition

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Spain, Portugal and Morocco have already secured hosting rights for the 2030 tournament, although Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will stage the opening three matches to commemorate the competition's centenary.

Saudi Arabia is then set to welcome the world four years later after being selected as hosts for the 2034 World Cup.

Giuliani's comments come at a time when the United States' stewardship of the current tournament has faced scrutiny.

World Cup winners graphicEvery team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS

Earlier this year, more than 120 organisations issued a joint travel advisory urging supporters, journalists and players to exercise caution when travelling to the country.

The groups cited concerns over what they described as "the Trump administration's violent and abusive immigration crackdown".

There has also been criticism over increased travel expenses for supporters attending matches during the World Cup.

Tensions in the Middle East have created further complications.

Members of Iran's coaching staff were denied visas to enter the United States, forcing the team to relocate their World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico.

Iran have also had to operate under strict travel limitations throughout the competition.

Despite the controversy, Andrew Giuliani insists the tournament has showcased the country's strengths and believes visitors have enjoyed a positive experience.

Despite the controversy, Andrew Giuliani insists the tournament has showcased the country's strengths and believes visitors have enjoyed a positive experience

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GETTY

Despite the controversy, Giuliani insists the tournament has showcased the country's strengths and believes visitors have enjoyed a positive experience.

"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 said.

"I think we're seeing that on social media.

"I think we're seeing that with all the fans that may be interacting with the US for the first time, or the first time in a long time, that the US truly is extremely welcoming, that we have such an incredible infrastructure.

"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 added: "It's so wonderful to see the world's love affair with the United States of America over our 250th birthday. It's been very gratifying."