United States, Mexico Reportedly Considering 2026 World Cup Joint Bid

The United States and Mexico are reportedly poised to propose a joint bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As reported by Vivek Chaudhary of ESPN FC, the project has already earned support from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and various parties have discussed the possible bid at this week's FIFA Congress, which is being held in Mexico City.

United States Soccer Federation board member John Motta confirmed the two nations are working together on the plan, per Chaudhary:

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We have spoken to our Mexican counterparts and are very open to the idea of a joint bid.

It could be a positive move for the game in both countries and it's also a very exciting proposition for FIFA. We will now go away and formulate a timetable for further discussions.

But whatever happens, we will bid for the 2026 World Cup -- either jointly or we will go it alone.

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According to Decio de Maria, the president of the Mexican Football Federation, Infantino is "very enthusiastic" about the joint bid, per Chaudhary; FIFA have not allowed joint bids since Japan and South Korea were custodians of the competition in 2002.

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The decision on which nation holds the tournament will be made in 2020. Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl provided details of how the process will unfold:

The tournament venues for 2018 and 2022 are already set, with Russia and Qatar set to play hosts, respectively.

Both the United States and Mexico have hosted a World Cup in the past. The former held the tournament in 1994, won by Brazil. The Selecao also triumphed in 1970, when Mexico hosted the World Cup for the first time, while Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to victory in 1986 when the nation staged the event again.