The very early road to the 2026 World Cup

We have nine years to go; why not think about it now? Mexico, Canada, and the US.

Arguably, the most prestigious tournament in the world will have a new twist in 2026

For the first time, since France 1998, 48 teams will participate instead of the traditional 32. This will be the first time since 2002 that two countries hold the tournament (Japan and South Korea).

The road to that World Cup will be exciting and excruciating. Chances are great of seeing teams that haven’t competed in ages, plus some first timers. Based off FIFA.com, 77 teams have participated in the World Cup (out of 210 eligible teams). Tournament regulars include Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Uruguay; respectively from CONMEBOL and UEFA. Those that didn’t qualify are usually the lowest performing teams of their confederations (ex:Puerto Rico of CONCACAF and Luxembourg of UEFA).

Of course, there are issues with the concept of having three countries host the World Cup

In what shape will the relationship between Mexico and the US be by then? As it stands, ever since Donald Trump won the election, it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows between both countries. Will traveling be an issue? Will the economies be in position to host a major event? Will the effects of Donald Trump’s presidency still be felt; especially if he wins a 2nd term (ending in 2025)? These are questions we can’t answer now; since it hasn’t been a year into his presidency.

Without thinking about it, Mexico and the US are the ideal counties to host the event

Mexico has many stadiums to choose from; including the iconic Estadio Azteca. Mexican citizens are among some of the most passionate soccer fans in the world. The fan base for local clubs (Club America, Chivas, and Cruz Azul) are huge. That’s just within Mexico. Spain’s FC Barcelona and Englands’s Manchester United have a strong following there are as well. Here in the US, there are countless people of different nationalities that are just as passionate for clubs from different confederations, as well as love for the local league; Major League Soccer. The US has countless football fields at their disposal (ex: MetLife, Levi’s, and Gillette). Hence why they are ideal candidates.

The argument is that soccer isn’t popular in Canada; nor is the Canadian national team any good

That argument can only go so far. “Les Rouges” have found some success in the past. The team has won the CONCACAF Gold Cup (2000). They have participated in a World Cup (Mexico 86’), and the 2001 Confederations Cup; the both with no success. Regardless: it’s not like previous hosts have soccer as their the most popular sport nor are their national teams dominate at the sport (ex: South Africa 10’). We minus well add Qatar right now, before 2022. For the record; Canada does have stadiums that can host several matches (ex: Toronto’s BMO Field and Montreal’s Stade Saputo).

At the moment, it’s very difficult to determine the economical impact that the World Cup will have on these counties

Yet; the following is a possibility. The three counties will share the tab. It cost Brazil about $11 billion to host. For a country that is economically unstable, that was a burden; despite the revenue that the hosting cities brought in. Let’s assume that the cost for the 26’ World Cup is the same. That’s about $3.6 billion per country; which is still a lot. Then again, this is an event that last for about a month. The countries are bound to recover their loses through tourism in the cities that have the games.

Colombia or Chile want to launch a co-bid

The idea of co-hosting the World Cup got the interest of South American countries. Thus far, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia are three of those countries. That doesn’t mean that they will co-host.

Once again, 2026 is still nine years away. It’s only wishful thinking to have the World Cup here. Don’t hold your breath.