Bolivia and Paraguay to Co-Host 2026 FIFA World Cup

South American Nations to Share Hosting Duties for Prestigious Tournament

Joint Bid Secures Hosting Rights for First World Cup in South America Since 2014

In a historic decision, Bolivia and Paraguay have been awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

The joint bid from Bolivia and Paraguay emerged as the frontrunner after facing competition from a bid from the United States and Mexico. The South American nations' proposal impressed FIFA with its comprehensive plans for infrastructure, transportation, and security.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first time that two nations have jointly hosted the tournament since South Korea and Japan in 2002. It will also be the first time that a World Cup has been held in South America since Brazil in 2014.

The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, up from 32 teams in previous editions. This expansion is expected to increase the excitement and competitiveness of the World Cup.

• Bolivia and Paraguay have a long history of football, with both nations having qualified for the World Cup on multiple occasions.
• The two countries have also co-hosted the Copa América tournament twice, in 1979 and 1997.
• The 2026 World Cup is expected to attract millions of fans from around the world, providing a significant boost to the economies of Bolivia and Paraguay.

The decision to award the hosting rights to Bolivia and Paraguay is a testament to the growing strength of football in South America. It is also a recognition of the two nations' commitment to hosting a world-class event.