WASHINGTON: While most of the rest of the football world ponders the Moroccan muddles, the rival 2026 World Cup bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico has received a clear endorsement in Washington from the House of Representatives.

A resolution expressing House support introduced by Representative Darin LaHood and fellow co-chairs of the congressional soccer caucus – Kathy Castor (FL-14), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Ruben Kihuen (NV-04) – passed the House by a vote of 392 to 3.

The co-chairs said: “The World Cup is not only the world’s preeminent sporting event, but also a force for promoting sportsmanship and international goodwill. That is why we are proud to have our resolution in support of North America’s united bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup overwhelmingly pass the House of Representatives.

“Hosting this event would bring both major economic benefits, and help soccer capitalize on its momentum as one of the fastest growing sports in the United States.

“We hope that the Senate will also show their support for this united bid in the coming weeks, and that the selection committee will agree that North America is the ideal place for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

The resolution’s approval was welcomed by Carlos Cordeiro, president of US Soccer and co-chair of United 2026.

He said: “This resolution sends a strong signal to the world that, if the United bid is selected, the US government, at the highest levels, will do its part to guarantee the event will be a major success and that we are ready to welcome players and fans from around the world.

“Our United Bid to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup . . . will be an extraordinary opportunity to grow soccer in America.”

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