Could the World Cup be back in the US as soon as 2038? Absolutely

Could the World Cup be back: Trump Champions Return of World Cup to America by 2038 Wanderstayfinder.com – Donald Trump has once again voiced what many

Trump Champions Return of World Cup to America by 2038

Wanderstayfinder.com – Donald Trump has once again voiced what many have been thinking. Speaking to Fox News during the buildup to the World Cup final, the American president made his position clear. “We have to do this again and we have to do it while I’m around, you hear that Gianni?” he declared, addressing FIFA’s leadership directly.

Over the past month, hotel lobbies around the globe have buzzed with talk of an American bid for the 2038 tournament. Administrators from across the world have observed this nation’s remarkable capacity for hosting major sporting events and its readiness to spend generously to experience them firsthand.

FIFA’s Growing Appetite for American Markets

FIFA has been quietly but actively encouraging a United States bid for some time now. During a meeting held at the Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue in New York on Saturday, the reasoning behind this encouragement became evident. Gianni Infantino, the organization’s president, informed representatives from all 211 member associations that revenue projections for the current four-year cycle had risen substantially.

The figures show growth from $11 billion (£8.2 billion) to $15 billion, with the overwhelming majority of this expansion driven by an explosion in ticketing and hospitality revenue. A source within FIFA revealed that demand in the United States specifically has been so intense that ticketing and hospitality sales have surpassed $5 billion. This segment of the market now exceeds the World Cup’s television rights value for the first time in history.

“FIFA will want to get back here as quickly as possible,” noted a senior executive at one of the organization’s hospitality partners.

The Fox Sports Deal: A Missed Opportunity

While ticket sales have surpassed expectations, aided by dynamic pricing and secondary market resale models deeply embedded in American culture, FIFA left considerable money on the table in one crucial area. In an unusual arrangement, Fox Sports received English-language television rights in the United States without undergoing a competitive bidding process.

This precautionary step by the world governing body aimed to prevent potential litigation when the 2022 Qatar tournament was shifted to winter after television contracts had already been finalized. The timing created a direct conflict with the American domestic sports calendar, particularly the NFL and NBA seasons.

Without competitive pressure, Fox secured what many consider a bargain. The network paid $485 million for the 2026 rights—the same amount as Qatar—despite the tournament featuring 40 additional matches and being hosted on American soil. For comparison, the NFL’s domestic television agreement is valued at $11 billion annually, while the NBA generates approximately $7 billion.

Fox has capitalized on this summer’s success. Industry analysts predict the network will earn more than $1 billion from television advertisements, with both volume and value increasing due to the introduction of hydration breaks.

Competition Heats Up for Future Rights

FIFA is determined to recoup what many view as lost income from the American market in upcoming television rights cycles. Having watched with frustration as Fox has profited, ESPN and NBC are expected to compete for the 2030 tournament. Initial discussions have also occurred with Netflix regarding potential participation in the auction.

Netflix has already demonstrated growing interest in football by acquiring American rights for the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031, with the latter edition to be held in the United States. Another men’s tournament seven years later could trigger another surge in interest.

Logistics and Politics of a 2038 Bid

No nation has hosted the World Cup twice within a twelve-year span, but FIFA’s statutes and recent staging decisions provide flexibility for such an occurrence. By distributing the 2030 tournament across three continents and six countries—Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay—before Saudi Arabia hosts in 2034, a North American bid for 2038 becomes permissible under FIFA’s confederation rotation policy, alongside one from Oceania.

Soccer Australia had initially wanted to bid for 2034, but after receiving less than a month to formally register its interest from FIFA, withdrew its candidacy. This left Saudi Arabia to be selected unopposed, aligning with Infantino’s preferred approach.

Adding complexity, the North American confederation, Concacaf, reportedly has reservations about another American bid. The organization wants to provide opportunities for other member nations. Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Mexico have been incorporated into the 2031 Women’s World Cup bid, and another joint endeavor could materialize, though Trump would naturally prefer the United States to host alone.

“Based on the numbers we will be requesting it again immediately,” he told Fox. FIFA’s timeline for opening the 2038 process remains unclear, but historical precedent suggests the organization could move swiftly to secure the outcome it desires.