Undeterred by the changing politics that have buffeted the United States-led North American bid for the 2026 World Cup, leaders of the three-nation campaign are banking on a more dependable ally to get them past the finish line — money.
The United Bid, once endangered, has gained substantial strength in recent weeks and will go into Wednesday’s vote as a heavy favorite. It needs only a simple majority of soccer’s international governing body to bring the World Cup back to the U.S. — and Southern California — for the first time since 1994.
“This shouldn’t be a geopolitical discussion or decision,” Cordeiro said.