The United States is poised to host the FIFA World Cup again in 2038, continuing a trend shaped by the financial considerations and regional rotation policies guiding the tournament’s future locations. Following the joint hosting of the 2026 World Cup by the US, Canada, and Mexico, FIFA has signaled that the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) will have another turn in 2038, with the US as the prime candidate to manage what is expected to be a 64-team event.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has emphasized the confederation cycle, which rotates the World Cup among its five continental bodies every few tournaments. After the upcoming 2030 World Cup, set to involve multiple confederations, and its subsequent awarding to Asia in 2034—specifically to a favored region within Asia—the next event in Concacaf’s territory is anticipated in 2038. The United States remains the only nation within the region equipped to handle the extensive logistical demands of a tournament expanded to 64 teams.
The financial gains from the World Cup are significant for FIFA and national federations alike, and the American market continues to be lucrative. The “Americanisation” of football has introduced elements such as mid-half commercial breaks, halftime entertainment, dynamic ticket pricing, and other features typical of US sporting events. Observers suggest these elements are unlikely to disappear even when the tournament moves beyond American soil, although local economic realities may temper some practices.
Comparisons have been drawn between the 2022 tournament in Qatar and the 2026 event. Qatar’s compact setup allowed fans to attend multiple matches in one day and offered a more manageable experience in terms of travel and accommodation. However, it faced criticism for its restrictive social environment, particularly concerning the visibility and participation of women. The US tournament, by contrast, saw a more diverse and open fan atmosphere, with women visibly and vocally engaged in the event, reflecting broader societal freedoms not present in Qatar.
Reports from the Qatar World Cup highlighted challenges female staff and fans faced, including increased scrutiny and restrictions on personal belongings and attire. In several instances, women experienced discriminatory treatment that men did not, signaling ongoing gender disparities in some host countries. The US event’s environment contrasted sharply, with more inclusive and egalitarian fan experiences noted.
Climate and weather also remain considerations for future tournaments. While the 2026 World Cup largely avoided severe disruptions, organizers faced threats from storms, floods, heat, and wildfire smoke as the final approached in New Jersey. Experts suggest future tournaments could benefit from greater use of indoor stadiums and consideration of venues with more stable climates, such as locations on the West Coast.
Despite travel restrictions affecting some international fans, diaspora communities in US cities contributed to a vibrant fan presence. For example, thousands of Senegalese supporters attended matches in New York City despite difficulties in traveling from Senegal itself, highlighting the country’s diverse and passionate fan bases.
Voicing enthusiasm for the US hosting cycle, former President Donald Trump reportedly expressed a desire for the tournament to return to American soil soon, aiming to see another World Cup during his lifetime. Whether that will occur by 2038 remains to be seen, but the alignment of commercial interests, infrastructure capacity, and FIFA’s confederation rotation system make the US the leading candidate to stage future World Cups within the region.