Mexico keen to host World Cup for third time in 2026 but face competition from USA

Mexico are preparing a bid to host the 2026 World Cup and are expecting tough competition from the United States.

If successful, it would be the third time the Central American country has hosted the tournament after staging the 1970 and 1986 World Cups.

No other country has ever hosted the finals three times.

The last time: Diego Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina the last time it was held in Mexico in 1986

Mexican football federation (FEMEXFUT) president Justino Compean told local media: 'Mexico was a great host in 1970 and 1986, so we are indeed going to bid.

'We want to have the World Cup here again, but we know there will be strong competition from the United States.

'Our football infrastructure keeps growing and that means hosting the World Cup in Mexico is feasible.'

Putting their case forward: Mexico will have to put their case to host the World Cup to FIFA

Mexico initially put in a bid for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, which will be hosted by Russia and Qatar respectively, but pulled out of the running before the vote.

Compean said a World Cup in the US would still be good for Mexico.