The United States is weighing a bid to host the men's 2038 World Cup, according to Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup task force.

Speaking while the US co-hosts the FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside Canada and Mexico, Giuliani said the country is well placed to stage another tournament — particularly if FIFA expands the competition to 64 teams in the coming editions.

"When you think that this World Cup may at some point expand out to 64 teams, I think the United States can handle it," Giuliani said. "Let me make sure we get through this World Cup on 19 July before we make our pitch for 2038 or other ones."

The 2038 tournament is the next edition open to a formal bidding process. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the opening three matches staged in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to commemorate the competition's 100th anniversary. The 2034 edition is scheduled for Saudi Arabia.

Infrastructure and cost advantage

Giuliani argued that the US offers a unique advantage over rival bidding nations, citing existing stadium infrastructure as a key factor in keeping costs low.

"For the US, compared to other host nations, where it costs tens and tens of billions of dollars, it cost us a couple of billion," he said.

He also confirmed he has discussed the prospect of another World Cup with US President Donald Trump, adding that positive reactions from visiting fans on social media had reinforced his confidence in America's capacity as a host nation.

A tournament not without controversy

The 2026 tournament has not been without its difficulties. Rights groups issued a travel advisory in April urging fans, players, journalists, and visitors to exercise caution when entering the US, citing what they described as the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. More than 120 organisations signed the advisory.

The cost of travel within the US during the tournament has also drawn criticism, while members of Iran's backroom staff were denied entry visas amid the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. Iran subsequently relocated their World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico and operate under strict travel restrictions.

Despite the controversies, Giuliani remained upbeat, framing the tournament as a showcase of American hospitality ahead of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations.

"It's so wonderful to see the world's love affair with the United States of America over our 250th birthday. It's been very gratifying," he said.