The 2026 World Cup just wrapped up, and President Trump already wants more. In a pre-match interview with Fox Sports ahead of the final between Spain and Argentina, Trump said the United States would apply again to host the World Cup, adding that FIFA should announce the country as a future host as soon as possible.
But FIFA’s rules are not that simple. Confederation rotation policies mean America cannot host again for years, since two other regions already hold official hosting rights for the next two full tournament cycles. FIFA’s confederation rules mean the next two tournaments already belong to other continents entirely, leaving American fans waiting several more years for another shot.
Trump’s bold new World Cup plan
Trump said the United States would apply again almost right away this time around. He pointed to packed stadiums and record-breaking crowds as clear proof that the country truly deserves another chance to host it.
He also joked around with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino during that pre-game interview. Trump suggested FIFA could quietly plan two future hosts at once, easing the anger from nations that keep getting passed over.
Trump admitted his idea might upset some nations still patiently waiting for their turn. Still, he insisted the numbers spoke for themselves and that America proved it could handle such a massive event well.
A record-breaking tournament ends
The 2026 World Cup officially closed with Spain defeating Argentina to win its second title in 16 long years. The entire tournament ran across the United States, Mexico, and Canada over 39 days.
Stadiums stayed nearly full from start to finish. FIFA later confirmed occupancy reached almost full capacity, with fans traveling from around the globe to watch the expanded 48-team competition unfold.
Television ratings also soared far beyond expectations this year. Millions tuned in for the thrilling final showdown, and several matches became the most-watched soccer broadcasts in American history, network reports confirmed.
Why the US cannot host right away
Despite all the excitement, the United States cannot simply reapply whenever officials feel like doing so. FIFA’s confederation rotation policy, which bars countries from the same confederation as either of the two most recent World Cup hosts from bidding, has been in place since a 2007 policy review, and FIFA’s Council formally launched the bidding process for the 2030 and 2034 editions under that rule in October 2023.
Since CONCACAF, the North and Central American confederation, officially hosted the 2026 tournament, that entire region is ineligible to bid for both 2030 and 2034, and is only expected to become eligible again for 2038. This rotation principle aims to ensure that most of FIFA’s six confederations eventually get a genuine turn hosting the tournament, rather than a small handful of wealthier regions repeatedly dominating the bidding process.
FIFA has already locked in the next hosts
FIFA has already announced the hosts for the next two tournaments, leaving little room for Trump’s quick return. The 2030 World Cup will be shared across three different continents in a historic global celebration this time.
Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will host most of the matches in 2030, according to detailed reporting by The Hill. A few extra special centennial games will also take place across South America that same year.
Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will host three centennial matches to mark the tournament’s 100th birthday. Uruguay hosted the very first World Cup back in 1930, making the tribute especially meaningful for fans today.
Fun fact: Uruguay both hosted and won that very first World Cup back in 1930, a piece of history the 2030 centennial matches will honor.
Saudi Arabia locks down 2034
Saudi Arabia has already secured official hosting rights for the entire 2034 World Cup edition. The kingdom’s bid moved forward largely unopposed after FIFA officials restructured the bidding timeline for that tournament cycle.
Since 2026 sat squarely within the North American region, and 2030 belongs to Africa, Europe, and South America, FIFA rules meant only Asia or Oceania could realistically bid to host the entire 2034 edition.
Saudi Arabia’s selection continues its recent pattern of hosting major global sporting events around the entire world stage. Critics have raised concerns, yet FIFA officials maintain that the process followed proper procedure and that full member voting was conducted.
Why 2038 could be America’s turn?
With 2030 and 2034 already firmly decided, the earliest realistic opening for another American World Cup is 2038. By then, North America and Oceania should actually once again become eligible under rotation rules.
Trump has openly expressed his genuine hope that another tournament could take place while he remains president. Given his current term, that particular timeline appears unlikely, though future administrations could certainly continue pursuing the bid.
Nothing is truly guaranteed this far in advance. FIFA could still adjust its own policies, other nations could submit competing bids, and global politics may shift considerably before any final decision ever gets made.
Trump and Infantino’s growing friendship
Trump’s relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino has grown noticeably closer throughout the entire planning process leading up to it. Infantino visited the White House multiple times and appeared alongside Trump at several international summits.
Their bond became especially visible during the tournament itself this past summer season. Infantino reportedly lifted a suspension on one player following Trump’s own personal request, a decision that drew considerable media scrutiny worldwide afterward.
Some observers view this partnership as genuinely beneficial for future American bids. Others worry it blurs the fine line between sports governance and national politics, raising real questions about fairness in future decisions.
The road ahead for America
For now, fans hoping for a quick American return will simply need patience and time to spare. The 2030 and 2034 tournaments belong elsewhere, leaving 2038 as the next genuinely plausible opportunity for another edition.
Trump’s enthusiasm signals that Washington will likely pursue the bid quite seriously once eligibility returns. Whether that particular effort succeeds depends on FIFA’s future rules, competing nations, and shifting global sporting politics.
Either way, the 2026 tournament proved that America can deliver a truly spectacular World Cup experience for everyone. That legacy alone gives the country a strong argument whenever bidding for 2038 eventually opens up officially.
Fun fact: MetLife Stadium, home of the 2026 final, is also the regular home field for both the New York Giants and the New York Jets.
TL;DR
- Trump confirmed the US will immediately apply to host another World Cup.
- FIFA’s rotation rule blocks the same confederation from hosting twice in a row.
- Morocco, Portugal, and Spain host the 2030 World Cup, with bonus matches in South America.
- Saudi Arabia already secured hosting rights for 2034.
- 2038 is the earliest realistic year for the US to host again.
- Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino have built a close relationship.
- The 2026 tournament broke attendance and viewership records across the board.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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