Sooner than you think: When Mexico could host another World Cup
Mexico hosted its final 2026 World Cup game in the round of 16 last week - but the tournament could soon be back in the North American country.
In Mexico, this summer’s World Cup action came to an end on July 5, when the Mexican national team was eliminated by England in the round of 16. But FIFA’s global tournament could return to Mexican soil much sooner than expected.
Mexico to host again in 12 years’ time?
Thanks to the hosting rotation for the next two tournaments, CONCACAF is emerging as a leading candidate to stage the 2038 World Cup. That would clear the way for Mexico, along with other nations from the region, to welcome the tournament back to North America and Central America.
In 2030, three confederations - South America’s CONMEBOL, Europe’s UEFA, and Africa’s CAF - will oversee the centennial edition of the tournament. Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are set to serve as host nations for the landmark event.
Saudi Arabia will then host the 2034 World Cup. Since Asia would not be expected to host again in 2038, that leaves the door open for CONCACAF to stage the finals 12 years from now. However, the United States and Canada are not currently considered part of the equation.
Reports circulating in the region indicate that Mexico would be the primary host nation for the 2038 World Cup, while sharing a portion of the matches with select Central American countries. Costa Rica and Honduras have been mentioned as potential co-hosts.
A 64-team World Cup?
At this stage, it also remains unclear whether the World Cup field will expand from 48 to 64 national teams. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has floated the idea as a possible innovation for a future edition of the tournament.
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