Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter wonders if the United States could end up replacing Qatar as host of the 2022 World Cup.
Blatter, who was banned from FIFA activities for 6 years over ethics violations, doesn’t believe FIFA would be receptive to the possibility of Germany stepping in since it would mean that Europe has hosted back-to-back tournaments. That brought him to the United States, which is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
“The United States could do it instead of 2026," Blatter told the German outlet Sport Bild, per ESPN. “They are capable, it's not rocket science! Japan could also do it. They also bid to host the 2022 World Cup.”
When the U.S., along with Mexico and Canada, play host, the tournament field will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams. Blatter believes that less organizational effort will allow for a more seamless transition process, if the three countries were willing to bump up their commitment to 2022.
All of this, of course, depends on what happens with Qatar, which was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice on bribery charges earlier this month. The New York Times reports five members of FIFA’s top board were paid off to vote for Qatar in their bid for 2022.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced in 2018 that Qatar’s World Cup would be held for the first time ever in November. The move was meant to combat the extreme heat during the summer months.
If they are able to keep their bid, Qatar will be the the smallest country by area ever to host a FIFA World Cup.
