WORLD CUP 2026

US set to kick-start 2026 World Cup preparations with ambitious economic drive

Just days after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar ended, the US is already preparing its economic and sporting plans for the 2026 World Cup.

STEPH CHAMBERSAFP

The United States men’s national side delivered a decent showing at the 2022 Qatar World Cup as Gregg Berhalter and his side exited the tournament in the Round of 16 following defeat to the Netherlands.

However, many at US Soccer were disappointed with the ultimate performances as thoughts now turn to the 2026 World Cup will be which will be co-hosted by the United States as the leading nation along with Mexico and Canada.

Christian Pulisic of USA Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES SportfotoGetty

EFE news agency claim that US Soccer has already closed deals with brands such as Nike, Volkswagen, Deloitte, Chipotle, Allstate, Anheuser Busch among others to work together with the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2026 Men’s World Cup. In addition, they have hired a new president, new legal director and a new commercial director.

That same team managed to close an agreement with ‘Turner Sports’, part of the Warner media empire for the rights to broadcast the matches of the US team.

In addition, the domestic league (MLS) also reached its million-dollar agreement with Apple which will see the platform stream every single league game along with the new Leagues Cup competition which is a new venture between Liga MX and MLS.

Look to the future

The USMNT had the second-lowest average age team at the World Cup in Qatar 2022, and many take heart from the hope that this bunch of players can grow and mature with aspirations deposited in the likes of Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, among others.

Leeds United's Tyler Adams LEE SMITHAction Images via Reuters

“The experience of the United States in Qatar will be key in 2026. I expect big things from the side playing at home and hopefully they will reach the World Cup final”, claimed Alejandro Bedoya, captain of the Philadelphia Union, in a recent interview with EFE.

Furthermore, MLS executive Alfonso Mondelo claims that: “in 2026, when players come here for the World Cup they will see the level of the facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico and they will want to stay here. This will be another definitive step in attracting future stars”.

Mexico will have three host cities at the 2026 World Cup (CDMX, Guadalajara and Monterrey), Canada two and the US will have 11 venues, including the brand-new SoFi Stadium, located close to Los Angeles that has already impressed after hosting the 2022 Super Bowl.

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