FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Three Countries Are Hosting

The Lead

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as the first tournament to be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The joint bid, dubbed 'United As One,' was chosen over other bids due to its unique approach and ability to accommodate the expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches.

The Event Details

Initially, the US, Canada, and Mexico had announced plans to field individual bids for the 2026 World Cup hosting rights. However, they later decided to join forces, presenting themselves with the slogan 'United As One.' In 2017, the football associations of the North American trio officially announced their alliance, calling it the 'United Bid.' A year later, at FIFA's 68th Congress in Moscow, Russia, FIFA's member associations cast votes, and ultimately the United Bid won 67 percent of the 200 votes.

The Data Analysis

The 2026 World Cup is expected to produce $80.1bn in gross output across the three countries, including $30.5bn in the US alone, according to an analysis by the World Trade Organization. FIFA's most recent financial report showed that the governing body will make $13bn from the four-year cycle culminating in the 2026 World Cup, almost $9bn of which will be in this year.

The Impact Analysis

The decision to host the World Cup in three countries was largely driven by the need for more venues and infrastructure to accommodate the expanded format. The US, Canada, and Mexico's joint bid was successful partly because each of the stadiums included in their bid proposal was already built, did not require major construction work, and boasted an average capacity of more than 68,000.

The Prediction

The 2026 World Cup is set to be the most lucrative sports event to date, with the earnings spread across North America. The tournament will feature 16 stadiums in 16 cities, with the US hosting 78 games – three times more than Canada and Mexico combined. The majority of the high-stakes games, including the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, will be played in the US.