The US 2038 World Cup bid is gaining serious traction after record-breaking revenue from the 2026 tournament, with President Donald Trump openly pushing for a return. As is often the case, it has been left to Donald Trump to say the quiet bit out loud. “We have to do this again and we have to do it while I’m around, you hear that Gianni?” the US president told Fox News in an interview broadcast in the buildup to the World Cup final.
Why FIFA Wants the US to Host Again in 2038
FIFA has been quietly but actively encouraging a US bid for some time. In a meeting at the Waldorf Astoria in New York on Saturday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that revenue projections for the current four-year cycle have jumped from $11 billion to $15 billion, with most growth coming from ticketing and hospitality. A FIFA source disclosed that US demand has pushed ticketing and hospitality sales past $5 billion, now worth more than the World Cup’s TV rights for the first time.
Record Revenue and Untapped Potential
While ticket sales exceeded expectations, FIFA left a huge amount of money on the table in one crucial area. In an extraordinary deal, Fox Sports was awarded English-language TV rights without a bidding process, a precautionary move to avoid a lawsuit when Qatar 2022 moved to winter. “FIFA will want to get back here as quickly as possible,” said a senior figure at one of its hospitality partners.
| Revenue Source | 2022 Cycle | 2026 Projected |
|---|---|---|
| TV Rights | $4.5B | $5.2B |
| Ticketing & Hospitality | $3.8B | $5B+ |
| Total Revenue | $11B | $15B |
Key Takeaways on the US 2038 World Cup Bid
- Trump’s endorsement adds political weight to the bid, with the president directly urging FIFA to act quickly.
- FIFA’s revenue surge from US ticket sales makes a return extremely attractive for the governing body.
- TV rights undervaluation in the current cycle leaves room for even more profit in 2038.
- US infrastructure is already proven, with massive stadiums and hospitality networks in place.
FAQ
When could the US host the World Cup again?
The earliest possible year is 2038, following the 2030 and 2034 tournaments already awarded to other regions.
Why is FIFA so interested in a US return?
Record-breaking ticket and hospitality sales, exceeding $5 billion, have made the US the most lucrative market for the World Cup.
How did Trump influence the bid?
Trump publicly called for a repeat US World Cup during his presidency, using his platform to pressure FIFA officials.
The US 2038 World Cup bid is no longer a distant possibility—it’s a strategic priority for FIFA. With Trump’s backing, record revenue, and an eager market, the path to a second consecutive US-hosted tournament looks clearer than ever. Stay tuned for official announcements as the bidding process unfolds.