FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup for the 2026 edition in the United States, Canada and Mexico did not meet with universal approval.
However, given that the tournament has rivalled Italy 1990 in the excitement stakes, the move undoubtedly delivered the desired results.
The governing body will now be under immense pressure to ensure that upcoming World Cups produce a similar outcome.
Infantino insists future tournaments will unite the world
The 2030 World Cup will primarily be hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain. There will also be three centenary celebration matches played in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Saudi Arabia has been selected to stage the 2034 tournament, which marks a quick return to the Middle East for FIFA following Qatar 2022.
This will undoubtedly trigger renewed debates about gambling in Saudi Arabia, which has traditionally been banned due to the country’s conservative laws.
However, the Saudi Arabia betting sites listed on Arabswin Saudi allow Arab punters to wager, albeit under licenses issued in other gaming jurisdictions.
With fans from across the world travelling to Saudi Arabia to watch the tournament, there will be an expectation that they can bet freely on World Cup games.
Infantino did not refer to the betting conundrum when announcing the hosts, preferring to focus on what the designation meant for the wider football world.
“In today’s divided world, where it seems that nobody can agree any more on anything, to be able to agree on something like that is definitely an incredible message of unity and positivity,” he said.
“The FIFA World Cup is unique, and it is a unique catalyst as well for positive social change and unity because these tournaments, 2030, the celebration, 2034 – they are tournaments to unite, not to divide.”
A swift return to the U.S. could be on the cards
The US may bid to host the 2038 World Cup according to the executive director of the White House’s World Cup task force.
There have been widespread rumors that FIFA plans to increase the number of teams to 64, which would limit which countries could successfully stage the event.
With Europe and Asia ruled out of the running due to hosting in 2030 and 2034, the US is viewed as the most likely location for the 2038 tournament.
“When you think that this World Cup may at some point expand out to 64 teams, I think the United States can handle it,” said Andrew Giuliani.
“Let me make sure we get through this World Cup on July 19 before we make our pitch for 2038 or other ones.
“There’s no better country that’s positioned to host a World Cup than the United States, and I think we’re seeing that on social media.
“I think we’re seeing that with all the fans that may be interacting with the US for the first time, or the first time in a long time, that the US truly is extremely welcoming, that we have such an incredible infrastructure.
“We have the stadiums built, so for the US, compared to other host nations, where it costs tens and tens of billions of dollars, you know, it cost us a couple of billion.”
The United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland have been touted as potential hosts for the 2042 World Cup, but much will depend on whether the 2028 European Championship is successful.
The event will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Northern Ireland missed out after failing to provide a suitable stadium.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. AFP editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
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