An absolute stunning news for three nations – The United States, Canada and Mexico, as they beat Morocco to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result of the bid was announced on Wednesday.
The North American bid earned a total of 134 votes, while Morocco garnered 65 for the bid of hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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It marks the first time the World Cup will be held in more than one country. In 2002, South Korea and Japan shared hosting duties. The qualification of the three nations is also secured.
Three countries have never shared the duties before. The US, however, hosted the competition on its merit in 1994. Mexico has twice previously organised the tournament in 1970 and 1986.
USA, Canada and Mexico were considered favourites throughout the bidding process. Though some reports suggested the controversial politics of American president, Donald Trump could help Morocco.
The winning bid is seen as the safer option, given the standard of facilities and number of stadiums available. And, a FIFA evaluation report had called Morocco’s bid “high risk”.
An emotional USA President said after winning the bid,
“On behalf of our United Bid, thank you so very much for this incredible honour. Thank you for entrusting us with this privilege, the privilege of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026,” an emotional US Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro said on stage after the vote. The beautiful game transcends borders and cultures. Football today is the only victor.”
2026 FIFA World Cup details:
– 48-team tournament
– Mexico and Canada will host ten matches each in six stadiums
– The USA to host the remaining 60 games in ten stadiums
– Every game from the quarter-final stage onwards would be in the USA.
– MetLife Stadium in New York expected to stage the final
– There will be 16 Groups, three teams in each group
– Top two teams in each group will progress to a new knock-out phase of 32.
Qualification:
– AFC (Asia) – 8 places
– CAF (Africa) – 9 places
– Concacaf (North and Central America) – 6 places, of which three go to hosts.
– Conmebol (South America) – 6 places
– OFC (Oceana) – 1 place
– UEFA (Europe) – 16 places