The United States possesses the infrastructure and capability to host an expanded 64-team World Cup and could be a strong contender to bid for the 2038 finals, according to the head of the current tournament’s American task force.
With the US currently co-hosting the global football spectacle alongside Canada and Mexico, and future tournaments allocated to Europe, Africa, and South America in 2030, followed by Saudi Arabia representing Asia in 2034, the path could clear for a return to North America in just over a decade.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director for the White House Task Force on the World Cup, indicated that while a definitive decision on a future bid is premature, he believes the US is exceptionally well-suited to host again.
He told the Press Association: "This is what I’ve spoken about with President Trump, with so many of our cabinet secretaries, I think there’s no better country that’s positioned to host a World Cup than the United States, and I think we’re seeing that on social media.
I think we’re seeing that with all the fans that may be interacting with the US for the first time, or the first time in a long time, that the US truly is extremely welcoming, that we have such an incredible infrastructure."
Giuliani highlighted the economic advantage, stating: "We have the stadiums built, so for the US, compared to other host nations, where it costs tens and tens of billions of dollars, you know, it cost us a couple billion. When you think that this World Cup may at some point expand out to 64 teams, I think the United States can handle it."
He added a personal note, expressing a desire to see the tournament return after attending matches as a child in 1994.
Despite pre-tournament concerns from human rights groups regarding the Trump administration’s immigration policies and their potential impact on fans, the atmosphere across host cities has largely been positive.
Giuliani expressed his delight with the initial weeks of the tournament, remarking: "It’s so wonderful to see the world’s love affair with the United States of America over our 250th birthday. It’s been very gratifying."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Donald Trump is expected to attend the final in New Jersey on 19 July. While he has not yet made an appearance at any matches, Giuliani hinted at a dramatic entrance.
"One thing I’ll tell you about my boss, and the 47th president – I’ve known him for, geez, close to 30 years now at this point – he likes a cliffhanger," Giuliani said.
"He likes to keep you on the edge of your seat. So, all I would just tell people is, tune in, and we’ll see some surprises, I’m sure."
