The proposed joint bid to have the USA, Canada, and Mexico host the 2026 FIFA World Cup got a boost today as FIFA announced it will be opening the bidding process early to give them more time to organise their proposals.
This now means any country with an interest in hosting the World Cup must express an interest by August 11th, 2017 and submit their bid by March 2018 which will then be voted on the following June.
And there it is, as expected: FIFA Congress approves fast-track plan for awarding 2026 World Cup hosting rights. US-led bid clear favorite.
— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) May 11, 2017
Fifa approve fast tracking of 2026 World Cup bidding process. 93% in favour. USA, Mexico, Canada co-host bid still overwhelming favourite.
— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) May 11, 2017
FIFA has already said that European and Asian nations will not be allowed to host meaning that only Oceanic, African, and South American countries will be able to submit bids.
However, the South American Federation has already expressed its support for the North American bid whilst South Africa hosted the tournament in 2010 making an African nation less likely to win another World Cup soon.
As Australia are the only nation big enough to host the competition in Oceania, they are the only country that could potentially upset the North American’s campaign.
With the tournament increasing to 48 teams and Mexico and the USA having hosted the competition in the past there will be no fears that the larger influx of fans will be an issue for the countries.
From an economical point of view FIFA will also be keen to promote football in the USA with the growth of the MLS and attract more interest from Canada, although the same could be said for Australia.
