The FIFA World Cup could return to the United States as early as 2038, which is currently the first tournament without a confirmed host after the 2026 edition.
The United States co-hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, marking the first men’s World Cup played in the country since 1994. With future tournaments already awarded for 2030 and 2034, the 2038 World Cup represents the next realistic opportunity for the United States to host soccer’s biggest international competition again.
When Is the Next Available FIFA World Cup?
The next two World Cups after 2026 already have confirmed hosts.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be primarily hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Special centenary matches will also take place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to recognize the 100th anniversary of the inaugural World Cup.
The 2034 FIFA World Cup has been awarded to Saudi Arabia.
That means the 2038 FIFA World Cup is the earliest edition that could potentially be hosted by the United States.
Could the United States Host the 2038 World Cup?
Yes, the United States could be one of the leading candidates to host the 2038 FIFA World Cup.
However, FIFA has not yet opened the official bidding process, and the eligibility rules for the tournament have not been finalized. FIFA typically uses a continental rotation policy that can limit which regions are allowed to bid based on the locations of previous tournaments.
Because the 2030 World Cup will involve Europe, Africa, and South America, while the 2034 tournament will be held in Asia, North America could be among the eligible regions for 2038.
That could place the United States in a strong position to submit either a solo bid or another joint bid with neighboring countries.
Could the United States Host the World Cup Alone?
The United States has the infrastructure to host a future World Cup without sharing the tournament with Canada or Mexico.
The country has dozens of large stadiums, major international airports, extensive hotel capacity, established professional sports markets, and significant experience organizing major global events.
Many NFL stadiums are capable of hosting World Cup matches, although some venues may require modifications to meet FIFA’s field-size and natural-grass requirements.
A solo United States bid could also appeal to FIFA because of the country’s enormous commercial market, television audience, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket-selling potential.
Why the 2026 World Cup Could Help a Future U.S. Bid
The success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup could play a major role in determining whether the tournament returns to the United States.
Strong attendance, television ratings, sponsorship revenue, stadium operations, transportation planning, and overall fan experience would all strengthen the country’s case for hosting again.
The 2026 tournament also gave numerous American cities direct experience with FIFA’s operational requirements. That could make it easier for the United States to prepare a future bid using existing stadiums and experienced local organizing committees.
Which U.S. Cities Could Host Again?
A future United States World Cup could include several cities that hosted matches in 2026, including:
New York and New Jersey, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, and Kansas City.
Other markets could also be considered if they have suitable stadiums and meet FIFA’s transportation, accommodation, security, and training-facility requirements.
Cities that were not selected for the 2026 tournament could potentially enter the bidding process for 2038 if they improve their stadium plans or surrounding infrastructure.
Who Could Compete With the United States for 2038?
The United States would likely face competition if it decides to pursue the 2038 World Cup.
Possible bids could emerge from other CONCACAF countries, including another joint North American proposal. Oceania nations such as Australia and New Zealand could also show interest depending on FIFA’s final eligibility rules.
Australia is technically part of the Asian Football Confederation, which could affect its eligibility following the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. New Zealand, however, is part of the Oceania Football Confederation and could potentially lead or participate in a future bid.
The official list of eligible regions will not be clear until FIFA announces the bidding process.
Has the United States Announced a 2038 World Cup Bid?
No official United States bid for the 2038 FIFA World Cup has been announced.
Any potential bid would require coordination between U.S. Soccer, government officials, stadium operators, host cities, sponsors, broadcasters, and FIFA.
The bidding process would likely begin several years before the host is selected, giving potential candidates time to prepare stadium plans, financial guarantees, transportation proposals, and tournament infrastructure.
How Many Times Has the United States Hosted the World Cup?
The United States has hosted or co-hosted the men’s FIFA World Cup twice.
The country first hosted the tournament in 1994. That edition set major attendance records and helped accelerate the growth of professional soccer in the United States.
The United States then co-hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico. The expanded tournament featured 48 teams and matches across 16 host cities in the three countries.
If the United States hosts again in 2038, it would become the country’s third men’s World Cup hosting appearance.
Could the Women’s World Cup Return to the United States Earlier?
The FIFA Women’s World Cup operates under a separate bidding and hosting schedule, meaning the women’s tournament could return to the United States before the men’s World Cup does.
The United States previously hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1999 and 2003. U.S. Soccer could pursue another women’s tournament independently of any men’s World Cup bid.
Therefore, while 2038 is the earliest realistic opportunity for the men’s World Cup to return, another major FIFA tournament could be played in the United States sooner.
Final Thoughts
The 2038 FIFA World Cup is the earliest realistic opportunity for the men’s tournament to return to the United States.
The 2030 and 2034 editions already have confirmed hosts, leaving 2038 as the next available tournament. Although the bidding process has not started, the United States would likely be considered a serious candidate because of its stadiums, commercial market, transportation network, and experience hosting the 1994 and 2026 World Cups.
Whether the United States submits a solo bid or partners with other countries will depend on FIFA’s eligibility rules and the global competition for hosting rights.
For now, soccer fans should circle 2038 as the first possible year the FIFA World Cup could return to American soil.