Donald Trump Proposes US-Only 2038 World Cup as FIFA Considers Expanding to 64 Teams

Donald Trump has publicly suggested that the United States should host a future FIFA World Cup independently, proposing a format that excludes Mexico and Canada. As the global football community prepares for the 2026 tournament, which is set to be held across North America, discussions regarding future bidding requirements and the expansion of the tournament format have intensified.

FIFA World Cup Expansion: The Shift Toward 64 Teams

The conversation surrounding the future of the World Cup is currently dominated by potential changes to the tournament structure. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly expressed openness to expanding the competition beyond its current 48-team format. In recent statements, Infantino indicated that a 64-team World Cup is a viable consideration for future cycles, citing the rising quality of national teams globally as a primary driver for the potential change.

This follows the recent decision to move from the traditional 32-team format to a 48-team structure, which is set to debut at the 2026 tournament.

Logistical and Political Implications of Future Bids

The proposal to host the tournament independently, as suggested by Trump, highlights the complexities inherent in multi-nation bids.

The Evolution of Tournament Hosting Standards

What Comes Next for the World Cup

The immediate focus for FIFA and its member associations remains the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This tournament will mark the first time the expanded 48-team format is implemented.