Senator Young applauds passage of bill to authorize 2026 World Cup Commemorative Coin

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 6:00 PM

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, and Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) applauded unanimous Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to authorize production of coins to commemorate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The bill was passed in the House earlier this year and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Under the bill, the coins will be minted at no additional cost to taxpayers, and the proceeds will support U.S.-based soccer programs, specifically for youth and underserved communities.

“As a co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus and an avid soccer fan, I am excited to welcome the FIFA Men’s World Cup back to the United States for the first time in over three decades. Our bill will preserve the legacy of the 2026 World Cup and support soccer programs across America,” said Senator Young.

“In two years, soccer fans from around the world will come to the United States, Canada, and Mexico to witness history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Californians are excited to host 14 matches in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and we welcome soccer fans everywhere to the Golden State,” said Senator Butler. “I am proud to co-lead the FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act with Senator Young to mark this momentous occasion and help grow ‘the beautiful game’ among our nation’s youth.”

U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL-16), Rick Larsen (D-WA-2), Don Bacon (R-NE-2), and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), also co-chairs of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, sponsored the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

BACKGROUND:

Congress can authorize two commemorative coins to be produced by the U.S. Mint during each calendar year to celebrate major American events and raise money for important causes. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act will authorize production of $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins to commemorate the event.

The 2026 World Cup is being planned and executed by FWC2026 US, Inc., a designated 501(c)4 not-for-profit. Proceeds from coins sales will be go to FWC2026 US, Inc. to help U.S.-based soccer programs and activities, including efforts to grow the sport of soccer throughout the United States, with a focus on youth, inner cities, and underserved communities.