After announcing their plans to organise the first World Cup with the participation of 48 countries, FIFA has opened the way for Mexico, the United States and Canada to host the major tournament of 2026, via a majority approval vote at the 67th FIFA Congress.

With 196 of the 209 members of the Council entitled to exercise their right to vote, only 13 opposed the new form of the World Cup, while 183 placed a positive vote.

Apart from the North American project, the international governing body confirmed that the deadline for receiving participations is set on 11 August, 2017, with CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, Africa and Oceania being the only eligible associations for candidacy.In case there is no competition, the three countries will be awarded with the organisation of the tournament eight years in advance, by 2018, in order to prepare themselves for the 80 matches that will take place on North American soil.