Trump threatens countries who don’ t back U.S. World Cup bid
WASHINGTON • U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening to withhold support from nations who don’t back the joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico to host the 2026 World Cup.
While FIFA has no authority to act against the North American bid over Trump’s words, the world soccer body’s rules of bidding note that governments can have an “undue influence” on the contest.
Morocco also has bid to host soccer’s showcase. The FIFA Congress meets on June 13 in Moscow to select the 2026 host, and a majority of the 207 voting FIFA members is needed.
Trump tweeted on Thursday: “The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup. It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?”
Trump met this week with President Emmanuel Macron of France, which has historical ties to Morocco and where French is widely spoken.
French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet told Paris-based sports daily L’Equipe this month his organization will vote for Morocco.
FIFA declined comment on Friday on any “specific statements in connection with the bidding process.”
Still, its regulations detail how candidates are responsible for their staff, consultants, and paid ambassadors but not governments.
Previous Trump comments criticizing African countries in general are also expected to weigh on some voters’ minds.
“Canada is fully behind the North American bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and we’re ready to welcome the world for an amazing tournament. Great to be partnered with @EPN and @RealDonaldTrump for this one,” Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter on Friday, referencing the accounts of Trump and Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto.