CONMEBOL endorses United 2026 bid, pledging 10 votes
CONMEBOL has officially endorsed the United States, Canada, and Mexico's joint bid for the hosting rights to the 2026 World Cup, pledging the votes of its 10 member associations to the "United Bid" ahead of official voting on June 13.
South American football's governing body met for its 68th Ordinary Congress on Thursday in Buenos Aires, where a unanimous decision was made to give support to the United Bid.
"The countries in the Americas share many historical ties and our conviction is that South American football can and should contribute to the development of football in all of the American hemisphere, recognizing the sport as a powerful uniting force," CONMEBOL wrote in its official statement, as translated by theScore.
The United Bid soon released a response to the announcement, thanking CONMEBOL for its support.
"The United Bid of Canada, Mexico and the United States is grateful for today's endorsement by CONMEBOL, the confederation representing ten South American member associations," reads a statement issued by the bid leaders.
"This announcement builds on the support of UNCAF's (Central America's) six voting member associations that the United Bid was honored to receive in March. We look forward to continuing our conversations with Member Associations around the world, highlighting the operational and economic certainty of our bid for the entire FIFA family."
While the 10 votes will certainly be appreciated, the United Bid will need plenty more support to pip Morocco to the hosting of the 2026 World Cup - a total of 207 member associations will vote in June to decide the host, with some nations, such as France, already pledging their support to Morocco's bid.
The South American football federation represents Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.