2038 World Cup: The United States is already positioning itself to host a 64-team World Cup

While the 2026 edition is in full swing, a senior US official would like to see the United States launch its bid to host the 2038 World Cup right now. This ambition is particularly relevant given the possibility of the competition expanding to a 64-team format in the future. As the main host of the 2026 World Cup, hosting 78 of the tournament's 104 matches, the United States doesn't seem satisfied. Although the Trump administration still has to complete the current competition, whose final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium, this hasn't stopped its leaders from looking ahead.

Andrew Giuliani, who heads the White House World Cup task force, has opened the door to a formal bid for 2038. "If we consider that this World Cup could one day expand to 64 teams, I think the United States is capable of managing the organization," said the son of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. "Let's make sure we complete the current World Cup by July 19th before bidding for 2038 or other editions," he added.

After the trio of Canada, the United States and Mexico this year, the World Cup will then be hosted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal in 2030, before heading to Saudi Arabia in 2034. While no country has yet formally or publicly put itself forward as a candidate for the 2038 tournament, an official report recommends that France embark on the adventure for Euro 2036 or for this 2038 World Cup.

Andrew Giuliani's statements thus suggest a prestigious duel between Paris and Washington. "There is no country better positioned than the United States to host a World Cup, and I think we see that on social media," the head of the American task force stated. "I think all the fans who are discovering the United States, or who are returning after a long absence, realize how welcoming the country is and what incredible infrastructure it has," he added. Highlighting the economic advantages of the current organization, he pointed out that the stadiums are already built: "Unlike other host countries where it costs tens of billions of dollars, it only cost us a few billion."

However, a major problem exists in the American official's argument. While FIFA is indeed working on expanding the tournament to 64 participants, the reform project is progressing slowly and has run into serious difficulties. In addition to Gianni Infantino, who has not clearly taken a position in favor of this new format, UEFA is not at all enthusiastic about extending the World Cup, which would directly impact all competitions and club schedules in Europe. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) shares this view, where the expansion to 64 teams is not particularly appealing. These major institutional objections risk significantly hindering, or even killing, the idea of an XXL World Cup, regardless of the host country.