How Have World Cup Hosts Performed in Recent Tournaments?
The draw for the 2026 World Cup has revealed the path for the hosts — Mexico, the United States, and Canada. But is there reason for concern?
Mexico, the U.S., and Canada now know their Group Stage destiny for the 2026 World Cup, the first edition ever hosted by three countries. After the draw in Washington, the road is clear — but how will the three host nations perform?
Who Are Mexico, the U.S., and Canada Facing in 2026?
Group A
- Mexico
- South Africa
- South Korea
- UEFA Playoff Winner 4
Group B
- Canada
- UEFA Playoff Winner 1
- Qatar
- Switzerland
Group D
- United States
- Paraguay
- Australia
- UEFA Playoff Winner 3
Can Mexico, the United States, or Canada Win the World Cup?
Statistically speaking, the chances look slim. Only six host nations have won the World Cup across 22 editions.
The host champions have been:
- Uruguay (1930)
- Italy (1934)
- England (1966)
- Germany (1974)
- Argentina (1978)
- France (1998)
Other teams came close but fell short, like Brazil in 1950 during the infamous Maracanazo, and again in 2014. Sweden also lost the Final to Pelé’s Brazil in 1958. Further back, Chile finished third in 1962, and Italy reached the semifinals in 1990.
Who Have Been the Worst World Cup Hosts?
Hosting hasn’t always brought positive results, especially for nations that had never appeared on the global stage before.
In 2010, South Africa failed to advance past the Group Stage.
In 2022, Qatar lost all three matches, becoming the worst-performing host in World Cup history.
