U.S. Plotting Bid for 2038 World Cup as FIFA Sees Massive Growth in Revenue
The United States is aiming to host the 2038 World Cup, according to reporting by The Guardian - World Cup 2026. This comes after FIFA reported a significant revenue boost from ticketing and hospitality sales.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino told representatives of its governing body’s 211 member associations that revenue projections for the current four-year cycle have surged from $11 billion to $15 billion, with most growth driven by robust ticketing and hospitality revenue. Sources say the U.S.'s demand in these areas now exceeds the World Cup's TV rights value.
FIFA Aims to Return 'As Quickly as Possible'
During a meeting at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, FIFA emphasized its desire to return to the United States quickly. This rush is driven by an increase in ticket sales and hospitality revenues, largely due to U.S. dynamics with these markets.
No TV Rights Bidding for 2026 World Cup
An unusual deal saw Fox Sports awarded English-language TV rights for the 2026 tournament without much competition, a decision that left potential rivals like ESPN and NBC out in the cold. FIFA now wants to recoup lost revenue from U.S.-based media giants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will drive the demand for the next World Cup in the U.S.?
The strong appetite for major events, combined with dynamic pricing and secondary market sales models, are key factors. Ticketing and hospitality revenues have already surpassed $5 billion.
Will there be bidding for future tournaments?
Yes, ESPN and NBC are expected to bid for the 2030 tournament, while Netflix is also under consideration. These companies would capitalize on increased viewership and ad revenue, given their growing interest in football.