President Donald Trump wants the World Cup back on American soil, and this time he’d prefer to skip the roommates. Speaking at a FIFA World Cup reception on July 15, ahead of the final match between Spain and Argentina, Trump called on FIFA to award the 2038 tournament exclusively to the United States.
The pitch comes while the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is still underway.
The backdrop: America’s World Cup moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the first time since 1994 that the US has played host to the tournament. It’s also the first edition to feature 48 teams, a significant expansion from the traditional 32-team format that defined the competition for decades.
FIFA hasn’t publicly responded to the proposal. The formal bidding process for the 2038 World Cup won’t begin for several years. But Trump’s public lobbying, delivered at an official reception with global media present, is a clear signal of intent.
