FIFA to Consider Co-Hosting For World Cup 2026

Fifa President Gianni Infantino has indicated hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup could be split between up to four countries.

The joint-bid format has only once been accepted by FIFA, when Japan and Korea hosted the 2002 edition of the world’s premier football tournament. However, the expanded 48-team format means that singular bids could struggle to logistically host the games; and joint bids may be easier to manage.

The new format will, like the current format, last 32 days with both finalists playing seven games. However, the overall number of matches will rise from 64 to 80.

FIFA has indicated that bids from member nations of AFC and UEFA will not be considered for 2026, as the previous two hosts will have come from Asia (Qatar) and Europe (Russia). There is strong speculation of a bid from North America, with the FIFA President’s comments potentally opening the door for a joint bid from Canada, USA and Mexico.