One FIFA official estimated that Morocco has the support of much of Asia and South America in its bidGETTY IMAGES
Support for the U.S.-led joint bid to host the '26 FIFA World Cup is "more divided than most predicted, with some estimates of voting totals having Morocco not just threatening the North American bid, but actually beating it," according to sources cited by Sam Borden of ESPN.com. With "just over three months until the pre-tournament FIFA Congress -- at which the body's 211 member nations will vote on those hosting rights" -- North America hosting the '26 event "might be in doubt." Public perception among many in the soccer world has "long been that the joint bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico would fairly easily beat the one from Morocco." But sources said that a "confluence of events and circumstances in recent months -- some related to football and others having little to do with it -- have left the outcome of that vote far murkier." One official "estimated that Morocco has the support of much of Asia and South America, as well as its home continent of Africa, which would put it over the 104 votes needed." However, other officials "questioned the breakdown showing Morocco in a position of strength, saying that while the North American bid's winning margin might be tighter than expected, it would still emerge cleanly on top." The '26 World Cup host is "expected to be announced on June 13." There "already was a leeriness" toward the U.S. in corners of the soccer world, particularly in South America, as some national federations "remain upset over how an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice exposed widespread corruption among their executives." But sources said that more recently, the North American bid has had to "counter an anti-American sentiment that stems largely from actions taken" by President Trump's administration (ESPN.com, 2/27).
MAKING HEADWAY: In L.A., Dakota Smith reports the city's bid for a part in the '26 World Cup yesterday "moved forward" after the City Council "moved to allow a private group to seek the international sporting event on behalf of several Southern California cities." L.A. World Cup '26 Host Committee, a group that includes LAFC, will "bid on behalf" of Inglewood, Pasadena and L.A. City officials said that it is a "move that eases the financial liability of staging the events." The L.A. City Council earlier this month "balked at the contract put forward by the United Bid Committee," as the proposal would have "required the city of L.A. to pay for services including police, even if games were held in Pasadena" (L.A. TIMES, 2/28).
