Support for the United States-led bid to host the 2026 World Cup is more divided than most predicted, with some estimates of voting totals having Morocco not just threatening the North American bid, but actually beating it, multiple high-ranking football executives within FIFA and the continental confederations told ESPN this week.
The United States won't be playing in the World Cup in Russia this summer, but bringing the 2026 tournament to North America had always been seen as significant solace. Yet now, with just over three months until the pre-tournament FIFA Congress where the body's 211 member nations will vote on those hosting rights, even that consolation prize for American soccer fans may be in doubt.