The United States, Canada and Mexico were named hosts of the 2026 World Cup after a vote by FIFA congress in Moscow on Wednesday.
Here Press Association Sport looks at the bid, which saw off the challenge of Morocco.
Venues and stadia
Geography
The world will unite in North America! #United2026 has officially won the right to host the @FIFAWorldCup!
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— United 2026 (@united2026) June 13, 2018
The United bid is across the vast North America and in three countries. There are four time zones in the mainland USA and kick-off times will likely be less favourable for the lucrative European and Asian broadcasting markets than had Morocco been chosen. The weather and climate may vary across the three countries, with games in Denver and Mexico City at altitude.
Previous bids
Political interference
The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup. It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 26, 2018
Donald Trump’s presidency and policies on immigration, in particular, make the choice of United 2026 a sensitive one. It is an unlikely alliance, especially with Mexico, after Trump’s persistent promise of a wall between the southern USA and the central American country. Trump’s tweeted threat on those who did not back the United bid could just be the beginning of his interest in the tournament. Although even if he earns a second term in office, Trump will be a past president by the time of kick-off.
