The U.S. and Mexico are "considering a joint bid" for the '26 World Cup and "have already won early support" from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to Vivek Chaudhary of ESPN FC. Soccer officials from both countries said that "initial discussions were held on the sidelines of the FIFA Congress taking place in Mexico City this week, with further meetings expected to take place over the coming months." U.S. Soccer Federation board member John Motta said, "It could be a positive move for the game in both countries, and it's also a very exciting proposition for FIFA. We will now go away and formulate a timetable for further discussions. But whatever happens, we will bid for the 2026 World Cup -- either jointly or we will go it alone." Mexican Football Federation President Decio de Maria said, "We are committed to becoming the first country to have staged a World Cup three times, and we will do all we can to make this happen, either with the United States or independently." Part of Infantino's "enthusiasm may stem from the financial potential of a jointed United States-Mexico World Cup, given the lucrative television and commercial deals that could be on offer." A "final decision on who stages the tournament will be made" in '20. FIFA "has not entertained joint bids" since '02, when Japan and South Korea hosted the event (ESPNFC.com, 5/13).
