Fifa has reminded bidding nations of rules prohibiting political interference after Donald Trump threatened countries that might oppose the US-led bid for the 2026 World Cup. The US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, facing only Morocco as a rival.
Trump tweeted: “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)?”
Fifa responded: “As a general rule, we cannot comment on specific statements in connection with the bidding process. We can only refer to the Fifa regulations for the selection of the venue for the final competition of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, and in particular to the bid rules of conduct incorporated therein.” Those rules warn against government activities that “may adversely affect the integrity of the Bidding Process and create an undue influence on the Bidding Process.”
Mexico’s president Enrique Pena Nieto welcomed Trump’s support, tweeting: “We can have differences but football unites us. Together we support the candidacy of Mexico, Canada and USA as the headquarters of the World Cup 2026.” The North American bid committee said it was “grateful” for government backing.
The North American bid boasts large stadiums and infrastructure but faces stiff competition from Morocco, which is expected to win support from African and Middle Eastern Fifa members. France and Russia have both indicated they will back Morocco. The vote takes place in Moscow on 13 June.
