FIFA Rotation Rules Favor Potential 2038 U.S. World Cup Bid

Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, speculation is already turning toward the 2038 hosting rights. Fox Corporation recently aired an interview with U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed a strong desire to bring the tournament back to American soil as soon as possible.

Trump revealed he has pressured FIFA President Gianni Infantino to secure another hosting duties for the United States, citing the success of the recent event. The U.S. hosted 78 matches during the 2026 edition, which was shared with Canada and Mexico. While Trump pushed for an immediate return, the FIFA calendar and rotation policies make 2038 the realistic target.

The path to 2038 involves navigating FIFA’s continental rotation rules. The 2030 tournament is set to be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with centennial matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Following that, Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 event. Under FIFA regulations, member associations from confederations that hosted the previous two tournaments are generally ineligible for the following bid.

With the 2030 event covering Europe, Africa, and South America, and 2034 assigned to Asia, four of the six confederations are effectively ruled out for 2038. This leaves only CONCACAF and Oceania as eligible zones. Given the infrastructure required for the potentially expanded 64-team format, the U.S. remains the primary candidate within the CONCACAF region.

Fox Corporation, which holds significant broadcasting rights for major sporting events, currently trades with a market capitalization of approximately $23.47 billion. Shares of Fox Corporation were up 1.03% today, trading at $58.09. The company continues to leverage its sports portfolio, including the interview that sparked this discussion.

What to watch

• FIFA official announcements regarding the bidding timeline for the 2038 World Cup.
• Future broadcasting rights negotiations for the 2034 and 2038 tournaments.
• Infrastructure developments in Oceania or CONCACAF regions competing for the bid.

Source: original release