Fifa World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim) for yielding me the time. I echo the comments of both of my colleagues who spoke today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of our bill, H.R. 7438, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act. FIFA stands for Federation of International Football Association. As the co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, I am proud to lead the coin bill effort with my co-chairs of the Soccer Caucus, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen), the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).

I am also very honored that the U.S. Soccer Federation, which operates the men's and women's team, is based in my home State of Illinois. Also, in my district, I have seven colleges and universities that have men's and women's soccer.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest sporting event in the history of the world. It will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the first time that three countries have hosted the World Cup.

We expect nearly 6 million fans to attend the matches in the United States alone. Half will be traveling to the United States from other countries. As has been noted, this is the first World Cup in 100 years where we expand it to 48 teams from the current 32 teams.

Hosting the tournament, which includes 104 matches in 16 cities, 11 of those cities in the United States, will bring generational opportunities to elevate soccer and build greater economic benefits in the States, cities, and local communities throughout the country.

Soccer is a global sport, one that continues to rapidly grow in the United States, and provides healthy outlets and opportunities for youth of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act will help support legacy programs for youth in underserved and rural communities across the Nation, ensuring kids engage in physical activity and sport.

The proceeds of the coin will support the growth of soccer throughout the United States with a focus on youth in rural areas, inner cities, and underserved communities. It is an exciting time for soccer in the United States.

The Soccer Caucus was proud to pass a resolution in 2017 supporting the United States' bid to host the 2026 World Cup, and I am proud to bring this bill to support the legacy of the World Cup to the floor here today.

Madam Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues who signed onto this bill, 290 Republicans and Democrats, who are supportive of our 2026 World Cup in the United States, along with Mexico and Canada.

The Soccer Caucus will continue to work with our partners across the Federal Government and in the soccer community to ensure a safe, smooth, and exciting World Cup here in the United States in 2026.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source