A combined North American football league between Canada, Mexico and the U.S. "could be the main legacy of the 2026 World Cup hosted by those nations," according to Christian Radnedge of REUTERS. The "United 2026" bid beat Morocco in the vote at FIFA's Congress in June to host the first 48-team World Cup. Although the majority of venues are proposed to be in the U.S., Mexican teams have "dominated on the continent," winning all 10 editions of the CONCACAF Champions League. Liga MX also remains the most-watched football league in the U.S. and "attracts average crowds of more than 26,500." However, revenues for global TV rights and sponsorship across North America "pale in comparison to the top leagues of Europe." Liga MX President Enrique Bonilla believes that is "something that could be changed with a new combined continental division." He said, "It's a possibility, a North American league. We have to determine how and see the pros and cons but I think that's a way to grow and to compete again. If we can make a World Cup, then we can make a North American league or a North American Cup. The main idea is that we have to grow together to compete. If not, there is only going to be the rich guys in Europe and the rest of the world" (REUTERS, 10/10).
