CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb "has one thing on his mind: Get the 2026 World Cup to North America," according to Andrew Gastelum of the L.A. TIMES. The U.S., which played host to the 1994 World Cup, "is the early favorite to land the 2026 World Cup, but will be competing with confirmed bids from Mexico and Canada." Webb said, "Whether it is the United States, Mexico or Canada … ultimately it doesn’t matter which country in CONCACAF hosts it. We’ve made it very clear that 2026 must belong to us" (L.A. TIMES, 7/9). GOAL's Zac Lee Rigg reported though CONCACAF contains more than three dozen member nations, the three in North America are "likely the only viable candidates to host a World Cup." Webb mentioned that he "has held meetings" with U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati, Canadian Soccer Association President Victor Montagliani and Mexican Football Federation President Justino Compeán to "discuss bringing the quadrennial event back to the region." Webb said, "We collectively must make an effort. We must decide, ultimately, that it doesn't matter which country within CONCACAF hosts it. We've said it very clear from the outset, that 2026 must belong to [this] confederation" (GOAL, 7/7).
