U.S., Mexico, Canada Poised To Make Joint Bid For '26 World Cup

Soccer officials from the U.S., Mexico and Canada today are expected to formally announce that the three countries will bid jointly for the '26 FIFA World Cup. U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani and Mexican Football Federation President Decio de Maria will hold a news conference this morning in N.Y. The "formal bidding process will begin later this year" and conclude in '20 (L.A. TIMES, 4/10). It "isn't clear how" the three countries "would divide the venues and games." It is also unknown "whether all three nations would receive automatic entry to the tournament if they are selected as hosts" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 4/9).

Fox' Alexi Lalas said, "Don't think for a moment that the political climate in the United States didn't impact this. A joint Wolrd Cup that includes Mexico probably garners additional support and sends a message" (AP, 4/9).