US interested in hosting 2038 World Cup, says White House official

The United States could consider making a bid to host the men's 2038 World Cup, according to Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House's World Cup task force. Speaking amid the ongoing 2026 World Cup, which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, Giuliani highlighted the nation's readiness to handle a larger tournament.

Potential expansion to 64 teams

The 2026 World Cup has already been expanded from 32 to 48 teams. FIFA is considering further expansion to 64 teams as early as 2030. Giuliani noted that such a format would play to US strengths. "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 said. However, he added a note of caution: "Let me make sure we get through this World Cup on 19 July before we make our pitch for 2038 or other ones."

Upcoming World Cup hosts

The 2038 World Cup is the next tournament for which a bidding process will take place. The 2030 edition will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the opening three matches held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to mark the competition's 100th anniversary. The 2034 tournament has been awarded to Saudi Arabia.

Current challenges during 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup, in which the US is hosting 78 of 104 matches, has faced several controversies. In April, rights groups issued a travel advisory urging fans, players, and journalists to "exercise caution" due to what they described as "the Trump administration's violent and abusive immigration crackdown." More than 120 organizations signed the advisory. Additionally, travel costs in the US have risen during the tournament, drawing criticism.

Against the backdrop of tensions between the US and Iran, members of Iran's backroom staff were denied entry visas to the US. They subsequently moved their base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and face strict travel restrictions during their campaign.

Giuliani's confidence in US infrastructure

Despite these issues, Giuliani said he has discussed America's hosting capabilities with President Donald Trump. "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," he said. "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."

He emphasized the cost advantage: "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 of billion." Giuliani concluded, "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."