U.S. Considers 2038 World Cup Bid, Says Task Force Head
The United States could bid again for the FIFA World Cup in 2038, according to Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the U.S. World Cup Task Force, who highlighted the nation’s infrastructure and financial efficiency as key advantages.
Giuliani, speaking to the Press Association, emphasized that the U.S. is “the best country positioned to host a World Cup” due to its existing stadiums and lower costs compared to other potential hosts. He noted the 2026 tournament, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, cost approximately $1.5 billion, a fraction of the tens of billions spent by previous hosts like Russia in 2018.
The U.S. is currently co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, which runs through July 19, 2026. With FIFA planning to expand the tournament to 64 teams, Giuliani suggested the U.S. could handle the scale. “When you think this World Cup may expand out to 64 teams, I think the United States can handle it,” he said.
Giuliani also mentioned the possibility of a 2038 bid, though he stressed the focus remains on the current tournament. “It’s too soon to make a definitive decision,” he said, adding that the U.S. has “an incredible infrastructure” and “a welcoming attitude” that has been reflected in social media engagement and fan interactions.
Human rights groups raised concerns before the tournament about the impact of the Trump administration’s immigration policies on fans, but Giuliani described the atmosphere in host cities as “positively overwhelming.” He highlighted the 250th anniversary of the U.S. as a factor in the global enthusiasm.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that President Donald Trump plans to attend the final in New Jersey on July 19. Giuliani, who has known Trump for nearly 30 years, joked that the president “likes a cliffhanger,” hinting at potential surprises before the final.
While the U.S. has not formally announced a 2038 bid, Giuliani’s comments signal growing interest in hosting again. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, while Saudi Arabia will host in 2034, leaving North America open for a future edition.
Giuliani’s remarks come as FIFA continues to explore expansion and hosting opportunities. The U.S. has previously hosted the World Cup in 1994, a tournament that drew record crowds and set a benchmark for organization.
For now, the focus remains on the 2026 event, with organizers aiming to build on its success. As Giuliani put it, “There’d be nothing more gratifying… to see this come back to the United States again in the coming decades.”