FIFA Pushes US Toward 2038 World Cup Bid as Revenue Forecast Jumps to $15 Billion
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 21
FIFA Pushes US Toward 2038 World Cup Bid as Revenue Forecast Jumps to $15 Billion
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 21
Summary
$15 billion in projected revenue for FIFA’s current four-year cycle has strengthened its push for a US bid for the 2038 men’s World Cup, with Gianni Infantino privately encouraging member associations and Donald Trump publicly backing another hosting run.
More than $5 billion of that haul has come from ticketing and hospitality sales, driven heavily by US demand, making that business worth more than World Cup TV rights for the first time.
FIFA also sees upside in future US media deals after Fox paid just $485 million for 2026 English-language rights without a bidding process; ESPN, NBC and even Netflix are expected to pursue 2030 rights.
A North American bid is allowed under FIFA’s rotation rules after the 2030 tournament was split across six countries and Saudi Arabia secured 2034, though Concacaf reportedly wants other members to get hosting opportunities too.
The 2038 process has no set timeline, but FIFA’s fast-tracked 2034 award to Saudi Arabia suggests it could move quickly again to lock in its preferred outcome.
As US cities demand a bigger cut, will the 2038 World Cup dream become a financial nightmare for FIFA?
How will the bidding war between TV networks and streamers for the 2038 World Cup change the way fans watch the game?
From Record Profits to Fan Backlash: The Economic and Social Legacy of the 2026 World Cup and the 2038 US Bid
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was a financial triumph, transforming the commercial landscape of global sports. Driven by immense worldwide interest, millions of fans attended matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, setting new records for scale and engagement. This unprecedented enthusiasm led to soaring demand, which FIFA capitalized on through strategic pricing and expanded sponsorships. The tournament’s success not only boosted direct revenues but also stimulated broader economic activity, highlighting how strong fan engagement and smart commercial strategies can set new standards for future World Cups.