Blunt buoys bipartisan backing for 3-country bid to host 2026 World Cup

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) teamed up with U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to lead 42 Senate colleagues in recommending that President Donald Trump support a joint proposal from the United States, Canada and Mexico to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We believe this effort presents an exceptional opportunity to showcase our nations’ shared passion for soccer and its positive impact in local communities and on the international stage,” the senators wrote in a Feb. 21 letter to the president.

Acceptance of what will be called the United 2026 bid would mark the first time three nations hosted the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) competition, according to Blunt’s office. The 2018 FIFA World Cup is being held June 14-July 15 in Russia. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, comprised of 80 matches among 48 participating national teams, is expected to be the largest in the history of the competition, according to the letter.

“Dozens of U.S. cities that we represent have conveyed their interest in being part of the United Bid effort that will showcase America, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth,” according to the letter, which also included signatures from U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Susan Collins (R-ME), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Richard Burr (R-NC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

As one of three hosting nations, the lawmakers wrote, the United States also would be able to “deepen the relationship between our citizens and the extended global soccer community,” while nurturing inclusivity, a foundation for both the sport and the nation.

“Comprising a melting pot of identities, cultures, and races, Americans proudly unite behind their team in the World Cup competition and enjoy ties to the multiplicity of nationalities that come together for this tournament every four years,” the senators wrote.

The lawmakers told Trump they welcomed his support for the joint bid “to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to North America,” and said they looked forward to working with him “to advance this important effort.”