Van Hollen, Blunt, and 42 Senators Urge Support of US-Canada-Mexico United Bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Today U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) led a bipartisan letter signed by 44 Senators to President Trump expressing support for United 2026 - a bid by the United States, Canada, and Mexico to jointly host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"We believe this effort presents an exceptional opportunity to showcase our nations' shared passion for soccer and its positive impact in local communities and on the international stage," the Senators wrote. "Dozens of U.S. cities that we represent have already conveyed their interest in being part of the United Bid effort that will showcase America, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth."

"Through a united World Cup bid, we have the opportunity to promote and celebrate the positive impact soccer has had for millions of Americans," they continued. "We welcome your support for the United Bid to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to North America, and we look forward to working with you to advance this important effort."

As part of the United 2026 effort, cities across the nation are pursuing opportunities to be part of the combined bid to host teams from around the world as well as matches drawing thousands of fans to the United States. If selected, this would be the first World Cup to be hosted in three countries. The Senators will continue to work with their colleagues in both the Senate and the House to further expand bipartisan support for the effort to bring the World Cup to the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.

Senators Van Hollen and Blunt were joined by Senators John McCain (R-Ariz), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-N.M.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).

The full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Mr. President,

We write to express our support for the United Bid by Canada, Mexico and the United States to jointly host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We believe this effort presents an exceptional opportunity to showcase our nations' shared passion for soccer and its positive impact in local communities and on the international stage.

Millions of Americans play or watch soccer at youth, collegiate, recreational and professional levels today. The sport spans generations, cultures, and languages - connecting fans and athletes with others across the globe who have a common love for the game. Comprising a melting pot of identities, cultures, and races, Americans proudly unite behind their team in the World Cup competition, and enjoy ties to the multiplicity of nationalities that come together for this tournament every four years.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a total of 48 participating national teams and 80 matches, will be the largest in the history of the competition. As one of three host nations, the United States would have the opportunity to deepen the relationship between our citizens and the extended global soccer community, and to further foster the spirit of sportsmanship and inclusivity that defines the sport. It would build on a successful legacy for our three nations, which together have hosted 13 FIFA-sponsored tournaments. Dozens of U.S. cities that we represent have already conveyed their interest in being part of the United Bid effort that will showcase America, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth.

Through a united World Cup bid, we have the opportunity to promote and celebrate the positive impact soccer has had for millions of Americans. We welcome your support for the United Bid to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to North America, and we look forward to working with you to advance this important effort.

Sincerely,

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