Trump Advocates for US to Host Another FIFA World Cup, Excluding Canada and Mexico

Former US President Donald Trump has expressed his intention for the United States to host another FIFA World Cup, advocating for a tournament without the involvement of Canada and Mexico as co-hosts. This statement came during a recent meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and sheds light on potential future financial and operational planning for one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Proposal for Future World Cup Hosting and Financial Implications

At a New York press conference, Trump emphasized that the next World Cup should return to the US, this time excluding the neighboring countries Canada and Mexico, which had previously co-hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the US. "Next time you should pick the US again. This time, we are ready to do it without Canada and Mexico. Back then, I was very generous and allowed them to join. Now, we will do it our way: no Canada, no Mexico, just us, and maybe invite someone else next time," Trump explained.

This shift in hosting strategy could have significant financial implications, including changes in shared revenues from ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights, as well as adjustments to infrastructure investments and operational costs. The 2026 World Cup, which was branded as the largest and most expensive in history, had a budget exceeding $14 billion distributed across the three host nations.

"Without Canada and Mexico, the US could assume a larger share of revenues but also bear increased organizational expenses," noted a sports finance analyst.

Moreover, Trump highlighted FIFA President Infantino’s approval of a joint bid between the US and China for a future World Cup, suggesting that the 2038 tournament could potentially be hosted by these two nations. Trump noted, "Players will benefit from shorter flights between games, which I think they will appreciate," indicating operational efficiencies and enhanced player welfare as part of the hosting rationale.

Infantino praised the 2026 World Cup, calling it "the greatest World Cup of all time," and acknowledged Trump’s role in its success. Trump reciprocated by lauding the tournament as possibly "the most successful sporting event in human history," further reinforcing the US’s strategic positioning in the global sports event market.

Broader Context and Investor Outlook

Additionally, Trump expressed gratitude toward Infantino for overturning the suspension of US player Folarin Balogun, a decision that had attracted widespread international criticism. This move signals FIFA’s sensitivity to governance issues and the impact on player relations, which can influence brand reputation and stakeholder confidence.

Looking ahead, Trump is expected to personally attend the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, where Argentina and Spain will compete. The US President will have the honor of presenting the championship trophy, symbolically reinforcing the country’s leadership in hosting premier sports events.

Regarding future tournaments, the 2030 FIFA World Cup is set to take place across Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina, while the 2034 event is planned for Saudi Arabia. The next available hosting opportunity for the US is in 2038, positioning the nation strategically for long-term sports event investment and infrastructure development.