FIFA voters can back World Cup bid publicly

A ban on voters publicly endorsing a 2026 World Cup bid has been lifted by FIFA in the face of criticism from soccer officials. The governing body last month ordered officials not to openly discuss the merits of either the joint Northern American bid, featuring the U.S., Canada and Mexico, or the rival Morocco contender. It led to Confederation of African Football president Ahmad, who goes by just one name, expressing frustration at being restricted from backing his continent’s bid. FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura said members can support a bid so long as it’s ethical and contains “no statements against the competitive bidder or requests for bloc voting.” FIFA’s 211 nation members vote June 13 for the 2026 host.