The United States, Mexico and Canada are expected to win the bid to host the 2026 World Cup, but part of that is because we haven't seen any plans from other countries who want to host. And with the cup bidding being fast-tracked, other countries have to get their act together if they want to have a chance to host the tournament in nine year's time.
Well, it looks like the North American bid will have some competition. According to the Associated Press, Chile is considering a bid to host the cup with some of its South American neighbors.
"We will consider the possibility of doing it together with other countries, it can be with two countries or three countries," Chile federation president Arturo Salah this week while at the Confederations Cup. "We'll have to see. The bidding period is open. We have to see if there is any possibility of partnering with some of our neighbors and see if we can make a bid."
That certainly shows their intent, and it makes sense for Chile. It hasn't hosted the World Cup since 1962, and it is in its golden age, having won the last two Copa Americas and with plenty of young talent in its youth teams.
Now, it's likely no bid will be able to match what the US, Canada and Mexico offer, bu Chile looks like it will at least explore. When it comes to partnering, it's going to have to. The country is too small to welcome 48 teams to the cup. It could potentially look at bidding with neighbors Bolivia or Peru. Argentina and Uruguay would be better options, but those two countries are planning on bidding for the 2030 together.
For now, the USA bid doesn't have any competition. But it could soon.
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