World Cup 2026: Trump eyes future US bid after praising tournament success

US President Donald Trump says the United States will seek to host another FIFA World Cup after describing the 2026 tournament as a major success, although the next two editions have already been awarded to Morocco, Spain and Portugal in 2030 and Saudi Arabia in 2034.

Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino before Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey, Trump said the tournament had demonstrated the United States’ credentials as a football nation and insisted another bid would be submitted.

Trump praises tournament success

The United States, alongside Canada and Mexico, co-hosted the expanded 48-team tournament, with American venues staging the majority of the matches, including the final.

Speaking to Fox Sports, Trump pointed to the tournament’s attendance figures as evidence of football’s growing popularity in North America.

“Based on the numbers, we will be requesting it again immediately.”

Trump also suggested FIFA could simplify the bidding process by awarding multiple World Cups at the same time.

“We have to do this again, and we have to do it while I’m around.”

The US president later attended Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina and joined Infantino during the trophy presentation ceremony.

Focus shifts to Morocco 2030

While Trump expressed his desire to bring the tournament back to the United States, FIFA has already allocated the next two men’s World Cups.

Morocco, Spain and Portugal will jointly host the 2030 tournament, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay each staging one centenary celebration match to mark 100 years since the inaugural World Cup in 1930.

Saudi Arabia has also been confirmed as hosts of the 2034 edition, leaving 2038 as the earliest tournament yet to be awarded.

For African football, attention is now firmly on Morocco, which will become only the second African nation to host the men’s World Cup after South Africa staged the tournament in 2010.

Infantino relationship draws renewed attention

Trump’s latest remarks have also revived scrutiny of his relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

During the 2026 World Cup, Trump revealed that he had contacted Infantino to request a review of the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun’s automatic one-match suspension was subsequently placed on probation, allowing him to feature against Belgium in the round of 16, where the United States suffered a 4-1 defeat.

Infantino acknowledged speaking with the US president but denied influencing FIFA’s disciplinary process, insisting the organisation’s judicial bodies act independently.

The episode prompted criticism from some observers, who questioned whether political figures should have any involvement in football’s disciplinary matters.

Road to 2038 remains uncertain

Despite Trump’s ambition to host another World Cup, any future US bid would have to comply with FIFA’s bidding regulations, including its eligibility requirements and confederation rotation policy.

With Morocco, Portugal and Spain already preparing to welcome the world in 2030, African football fans will now turn their focus to the continent’s next opportunity to host the global showpiece before attention eventually shifts to the race for the 2038 tournament.