Trump threatens countries backing Morocco World Cup bid

US President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold support from nations that fail to back the joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico to host the 2026 World Cup.

"The US has put together a STRONG bid with Canada and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup," Trump tweeted on Thursday.

"It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the US bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don't support us (including at the United Nations)?" he added.

Morocco also has bid to host football's top tournament and already has the backing of many Arab and African football federations.

Trump met this week with President Emmanuel Macron of France, which has historical ties to Morocco and where French is widely spoken.

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet said this month his organisation will vote for Morocco.

While FIFA has no authority to act against the North American bid over Trump's words, the world soccer body's rules of bidding note that governments can have an "undue influence" on the contest.

FIFA declined to comment on Friday on any "specific statements in connection with the bidding process."

The FIFA Congress meets on June 13 in Moscow to select the 2026 host, and a majority of the 207 voting FIFA members is needed. They also may pick neither bid, which would lead to the host process being reopened.

Previous Trump comments criticising African countries in general are also expected to weigh on some voters' minds.

While Morocco is not allowed to vote, the 53 other African football federations can help pick a winner in Moscow.

The North American bid calls for the US to stage 60 games in the 48-team tournament, with Canada and Mexico hosting 10 each.