All the world’s 
A FOOTBALL PITCH
How are the World Cup Host countries decided?
This year’s World Cup takes place in 
the USA, Mexico and Canada, and is 
a joint bid between three countries. 
Traditionally, only one country hosted 
a World Cup, like England in 1966, 
Argentina in 1978, or Qatar in 2022.
There is a general rule that FIFA 
restricts bidding for the tournament to 
certain continents in order to ensure 
geographical rotation. There is also a 
feeling that this helps to spread the word 
of football around the world. In 2010 
the tournament was taken to South 
Africa for the first time and the world 
was introduced to the fabulous sound 
of the vuvuzela which became a cultural 
symbol of that World Cup. 
National Football Associations have to 
have the support of their government in 
order to make a successful bid. FIFA 
(Federation of International Football 
Associations) will then look at 
the quality and quantity of stadia, 
transport and infrastructure, 
accommodation, safety 
and security, human 
rights within that 
country, financial 
guarantees, and 
how the tournament 
will benefit football 
locally after the 
World Cup has 
finished. 
A technical evaluation is undertaken 
and a detailed report is completed 
by FIFA before a vote is taken by the 
FIFA Congress. This is made up of 
representatives from each of the 211 
member associations throughout the 
world. Countries who are bidding cannot 
vote and since 2018 it has become a 
public vote to ensure transparency.
The next World Cup venue has already 
been decided and in 2030 there will 
be another joint World Cup as Spain, 
Portugal and Morocco host the 
tournament.
The World Cup is widely regarded as the 
most-watched and influential sporting 
event in the world. It supersedes the 
Olympic Games and this year, as with 
every World Cup, new superstars will be 
discovered and fans will be thrilled and 
excited as never before.
Here’s to a wonderful 
World Cup in 2026! 
Mr Conway 
The end of the quadrennium is nigh. Excitement is building, St. George’s flags are beginning to flutter, 
sticker books are at the ready, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, at the time of going to press, accelerates 
towards us. All is set for a memorable tournament. And the North American continent will provide an 
amazing backdrop. Here Mr Conway explains how it was decided that a transatlantic venue was in 
order, and outlines the FIFA requirements which the host nations had to fulfil.
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