World Cup 2026 Is Coming To North America

FIFA, the governing body of soccer around the globe has awarded the 2026 World Cup to North America. Canada, Mexico and the United States to host games in a total of 16 cities. This will be the first international tournament ever hosted by three nations. It will also be the first World Cup involving 48 teams, expanded from 32. The environment and challenges will be unprecedented.

By comparison, the 2022 World Cup will be played in Qatar where all eight stadiums are within a few miles of one another and will be accessible by local, public transportation. Imagine the travel, logistical, security, language and time zone challenges with games spread across the entire continent of North America.

As the Chairman of the Board for the Chicago 1994 World Cup Organizing Committee, Jim Paglia was deeply involved in the every aspect of preparing for those games. In addition, he spent weeks in Italy prior to and during the 1990 World Cup as an official observer among the VIP dignitaries with behind the scenes access and detailed information about those games in preparation for the 1994 games.

He believes in additional to all the challenges listed above, the 2026 World Cup will offer some unique challenges including the role of digital communications and overall fan engagement never before seen. As an example, in 1994, overseas fans, who purchased airfare to the U.S. on American Airlines, could buy a pass for unlimited trips between host cities so they could follow their team. That seems far more difficult given the three governments and their varied security requirements.

Following the 2022 World Cup, Jim will launch a podcast offering insights and observations related to the 2026 World Cup based on his unique perspective, experience and network contacts in international soccer.