H.Con.Res. 111 - Recognizing and supporting the efforts of the United Bid Committee to bring the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup competition to Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Floor Situation

On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, the House will consider H.Con.Res. 111, Recognizing and supporting the efforts of the United Bid Committee to bring the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup competition to Canada, Mexico, and the United States, under suspension of the rules. The bill was introduced on March 5, 2018, by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which ordered the bill reported, as amended, by unanimous consent on March 15, 2018.

Summary

H.Con.Res. 111 supports and endorses efforts by the United Bid Committee to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Background

Soccer remains one of the most popular sports in the world and in the United States, where there are an estimated 25 million players nationwide. The FIFA World Cup is an international soccer competition featuring the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) men’s national teams. The United States previously hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994, and is still considered a success and a catalyst for increased interest in the sport across North America. Its record-setting attendance of over 3.5 million has remained unmatched to this day.[1]

According to the bill’s sponsor, “As the co-chairs of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, we have each seen how the sport of soccer not only celebrates the values of teamwork and camaraderie, but can also bridge cultural differences and foster goodwill by bringing teams and fans together across the globe. That is why we are proud to introduce H.Con.Res. 111, which voices the House of Representatives’ strong support for the united bid of North America to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosting the games would draw millions of fans, bringing major economic benefits to the United States and shine a light on soccer’s growing popularity in North America. The 2026 FIFA World Cup would help us and our friends in Canada and Mexico capitalize on this momentum, and it is our hope that the selection committee will recognize the value North America presents and award the united bid.”[2]

Cost

A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate is not currently available.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Ryan Hofmann with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-6674.