Football Federation Australia (FFA) have congratulated Canada, Mexico and the United States football associations on their successful bid to jointly host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup™ will have three host countries after the United bid – which the FFA backed – beat out Morocco to host the 2026 event which will also have 48 nations compete.
The United bid attracted 134 votes from delegates at the FIFA Congress in Moscow with the Morocco bid receiving 65 votes.
FFA Chairman Steven Lowy AM said a number of factors had contributed to Australia’s decision to back the combined bid by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
“The United bid received a higher score in FIFA’s technical evaluation report – 4 out of 5 for United compared to 2.7 for Morocco,” he said at the FIFA Congress in Moscow.
“We also considered the risk ratings provided by FIFA which concluded that the United bid carried a lower delivery risk overall and the financial elements of both proposals where it was clear the United bid was superior.
“We commend FIFA on the bidding process it implemented for the 2026 World Cup which included greater transparency, including the publishing of bid books, clear evaluation criteria, independent oversight, a public vote and the promotion of human rights and labour standards.
“Both bidders delivered passionate and compelling final presentations. We commend the Moroccan football association for its proposal and for its sportsmanship following the decision.
“We will take on board the high standards of preparation and presentation as we embark on FFA’s quest to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.”
