CONMEBOL backs North American World Cup bid

South American football confederation CONMEBOL has lent support to a joint bid by the United States, Mexico and Canada to host the 2026 World Cup.

World football governing body FIFA is due to announce the winning candidacy on June 13 in Moscow, the day before the opening of the World Cup in Russia. Morocco is the only other bidder.

"The countries of America have many historic connections and we believe that South American football can and should contribute to the development of football throughout the American hemisphere," CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez said on Friday.

The North American bid group released a statement thanking CONMEBOL's 10 members for their vote.

"The joint candidacy of Canada, Mexico and the United States is grateful for CONMEBOL's support, and we hope to continue our discussions with associations around the world and highlight the operational and economic security of our offering to the entire FIFA family," the statement said.

On Thursday, CONMEBOL reiterated its wish for Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to host the 2030 World Cup during the organization's congress in Buenos Aires.

(Xinhua)