By Andrew Warshaw
February 23 – With the Moroccan government having already stated its support for the country to stage the 2026 World Cup, US president Donald Trump is being urged to issue the same guarantees, with bid books due to be handed over to FIFA in mid-March.
The three-nation US/Canada/Mexico bid is odds-on favourite to win the vote among FIFA’s members in June, especially given its superior infrastructure for what will be the first World Cup to comprise 48 teams.
But many neutrals believe the global perception of the Trump regime could adversely affect the US-led campaign and now a group of 44 bipartisan senators have sent a letter to Trump requesting official backing for United 2026 saying it would present “an exceptional opportunity to showcase our nations’ shared passions for soccer.”
“As one of the three host nations, the United States would have the opportunity to deepen the relationship between our citizens and the extended global soccer community, and to further foster the spirit of sportsmanship and inclusivity that defines the sport. It would build on a successful legacy for our three nations, which together have hosted 13 FIFA-sponsored tournaments.”
Both bids need to meet a string of technical specifications including visa-free travel, fuelling concerns about whether Trump’s policy on immigration might hurt the front-runners.
Last month, United Bid chairman and then-U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati told reporters: “This is a tough battle. This is not only about our stadiums and our hotels and all that. It’s about perceptions of America, and it’s a difficult time in the world. So there’s only certain things we can control.”
Trump’s unequivocal support for the bid regarding the travel concerns would be an important endorsement for the United 2026 bid.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734965414labto1734965414ofdlr1734965414owedi1734965414sni@w1734965414ahsra1734965414w.wer1734965414dna1734965414