‘It’s not likely you’ll ever once more see a football World Cup being hosted by way of a unmarried nation’
Last year, a joint bid using the US, Mexico, and Canada gained the right to host the 2026 men’s soccer World Cup. For that edition, the match will be increased to accommodate forty-eight groups. India-born Carlos Cordeiro, US Soccer president and co-chairman of the ‘United 2026’ bid, took Marcus Mergulhao through the mechanics of the whole procedure:
After the painful experience in 2010 (the US bid failed), what caused the US to join arms with Mexico and Canada for another bid to host the World Cup in 2026? There is a large difference between then and now. Importantly, FIFA decided to permit joint bids for 2026 for the first time, considering that in 2002, Japan and South Korea jointly hosted the event. Our coming collectively changed into a way of demonstrating unity, that football can go beyond all obstacles and cultures. We strongly believed our joint bid might be more effective if our three nations came together. Would you have stood a hazard if the United States had bid on my own? The decision to merge with Canada and Mexico was symbolic but very effective.
When FIFA determined to amplify the World Cup to forty-eight groups, it made the spot feel to all of us to return together and bid jointly. Forty-eight teams, eighty fits, 1,100 gamers, thousands and thousands of fans – which one of them, consisting of my very own, should ever cross it on my own? Being united becomes the most effective way to move. Did you ever assume the bid could falter? Never. When I became the elected president of the US Soccer Federation in February 2018, I felt confident we could win because our bid encapsulated the proper messages. That said, we had to find a course to victory.
We first consolidated our support throughout the Americas – a few 50-plus votes. Then, we prioritized Asia because we felt we could win pals and votes from each small and massive country. We revamped a dozen visits to the location, each with a specific awareness. At the quit, we have successfully obtained 35 votes out of forty-six, a first-rate result. India voted for United in 2026 and appeared a staunch ally all along. Were you always confident of India’s help? I am thrilled and thankful for the All India Football Federation (AIFF). I had met with its president, Praful Patel, in Kuala Lumpur months earlier than the vote. Subsequently, we met again in Mumbai for a satisfying lunch. We had to persuade him of the merits of our bid, and I am honored that India voted for our United 2026 bid on the day.
What function did President Donald Trump play in ensuring the United bid was given the right aid? The White House contributed to our efforts in multiple approaches. Working with us, and alongside the governments of Canada and Mexico, they furnished vital assurances and guarantees that FIFA required of the hosting countries. For instance, no participant or fan might be discriminated against and denied access in 2026 by a distinctive nationality, faith, or political feature. Without those, the bid might be marked down. The World Cup has never been hosted via three nations. In destiny, both small and large countries can co-host the World Cup. The messages of cohesion, teamwork, and collaboration are undoubtedly compelling. I think it’s not that you’ll ever again see a men’s World Cup hosted by using a single nation. The United bid acquired 134 of 200 votes forged, or sixty-seven %. Did soccer ultimately conquer politics? Yes, indeed. Our message was clear. We promised the sector that United 2026 will be the first-class-ever World Cup. We have shortlisted 23 candidate cities across North America; all stadiums and facilities are FIFA-compliant and already built.
We will offer the players the excellent revel in. Fans, too, can have a splendid celebration. World elegance facilities for gamers and global elegance enjoy for enthusiasts. What does the United 2026 triumph suggest to you, especially after the United States failed to qualify for the World Cup closing 12 months? During my election marketing campaign for the remaining 12 months, I discussed the importance of winning the 2026 bid and what it might imply for our recreation in the United States. We now have an 8-year runway to grow the sport at all tiers, maximum, especially with our children at the grassroots. In the United States, demographics have favored soccer for a long time. The co-website hosting the World Cup in 2026 affords us a high possibility. We have decided to make soccer (soccer) the preeminent sport within the United States.
