The economics of North America's three-nation bid to host the 2026 World Cup can outweigh politics in next month's vote, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation president. The United States-Canada-Mexico bid could struggle to win over Russia and its allies in the June 13 vote of FIFA member federations in Moscow. The majority Muslim nation also hopes U.S. President Donald Trump's public comments will influence voters from countries in Africa and Central America that he has criticized. A North American tournament promises higher income for FIFA that is likely to run into billions of dollars, including from a much larger domestic market. Cordeiro acknowledged finances were "a strong part of the bid" as FIFA seeks to develop the game worldwide.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 03, 2018 20:15 UTC