Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup task force, has indicated that the United States might bid to host the 2038 FIFA World Cup. This announcement has been met with skepticism, particularly as the current World Cup, hosted by the U.S. alongside Canada and Mexico, is underway. Critics argue that with numerous countries having never hosted or having not hosted for decades, a return to the U.S. so soon would be inequitable.
Giuliani expressed confidence in the U.S.'s hosting capabilities, stating, "There's no better country that's positioned to host a World Cup than the United States." He pointed to the existing infrastructure and relatively lower costs compared to other potential bids, noting that stadiums were already built, costing a couple of billion dollars. He also highlighted the positive reception of the current tournament and the hospitality of the American people.
However, this perspective is challenged by those who believe the World Cup should offer a spotlight to new regions and facilitate cultural exchange. Nations like England, Colombia, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and India are cited as more deserving candidates, having either never hosted or not hosted for a significant period. These countries are seen as capable of bringing a different, more localized experience to the tournament, akin to the community feel generated by the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where stadiums were within a tight radius of Doha.
The current tournament, while showcasing American hospitality, has also been marked by issues. Reports detail instances where U.S. government actions created difficulties for participating teams and officials, such as members of Iran's staff being denied entry visas and the team being forced to relocate their base. A Somali referee was also reportedly denied access.
Critics suggest that FIFA's expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, and potentially more in the future, necessitates a consideration of scale and logistical challenges. Awarding the 2038 World Cup to the U.S. for a third time within a 72-year span (since England's last hosting) is viewed by some as a missed opportunity to broaden the event's global reach and cultural impact. The argument is that while the U.S. has demonstrated its capacity to host, prioritizing nations that have had fewer opportunities would better serve the spirit of global inclusivity in football.