The World Cup 2038 in the US is back on the table as President Donald Trump openly urges FIFA to bring the tournament stateside soon. With FIFA's revenue projections soaring to $15 billion, largely driven by American ticket and hospitality sales, the world football body is eager to return to the US as early as possible.
Trump's Bold Call for an Early World Cup Return
In a recent Fox News interview, Trump told FIFA President Gianni Infantino, “We have to do this again and we have to do it while I’m around, you hear that Gianni?” His comments reflect the growing momentum behind a US bid for the 2038 World Cup, which has been a hot topic in hotel lobbies during the current tournament.
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FIFA's Revenue Boom: Why the US Is So Attractive
FIFA’s financials tell a compelling story. The governing body's revenue projections for the current four-year cycle jumped from $11 billion to $15 billion, with the vast majority of growth coming from ticketing and hospitality. A FIFA source disclosed that US demand alone pushed ticket and hospitality sales past $5 billion—now exceeding the value of World Cup TV rights for the first time.
| Revenue Source | Previous Cycle | Current Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Total FIFA Revenue | $11B | $15B |
| Ticketing & Hospitality | ~$3B | $5B+ |
| TV Rights (US) | ~$4B | ~$4B |
Why FIFA Left Money on the Table
Despite the record sales, FIFA lost a significant opportunity. An extraordinary deal gave Fox Sports English-language US TV rights without a bidding process—a precaution to avoid lawsuits when Qatar 2022 moved to winter. This meant FIFA could have earned far more from competitive bidding, making a US return even more financially irresistible.
Key Takeaways: What a US 2038 World Cup Means
- Trump’s political support gives a US bid a strong boost.
- FIFA’s $15B revenue shows the overwhelming demand from American fans.
- Ticket and hospitality sales now outpace TV rights in value.
- A US bid could be announced as early as 2026, with the tournament in 2038.
- Infrastructure and stadiums from the 2026 World Cup (co-hosted with Mexico and Canada) are already in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
When could the US host the World Cup again?
The earliest possible date is 2038, though some speculate that 2034 could be considered if current hosting rotations are adjusted.
Why is FIFA so eager to return to the US?
FIFA saw unprecedented revenue from ticket and hospitality sales in the US, totaling over $5 billion. The American market's willingness to pay premium prices makes it a goldmine for the organization.
What role did Donald Trump play in the 2038 bid?
Trump publicly urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to bring the World Cup back to the US while he is still in office, signaling strong political backing for a bid.
How much money did FIFA leave on the table with the Fox Sports deal?
The Fox Sports deal was awarded without a bidding process, likely costing FIFA hundreds of millions in potential TV rights revenue. Competitive bidding would have driven the price much higher.
With Trump’s encouragement and FIFA’s insatiable appetite for American dollars, the World Cup 2038 in the US is not just a possibility—it’s a near certainty. Stay tuned as the bid develops and global football fans prepare for another tournament on American soil.