The U.S. will be up against Australia , Japan , South Korea and Qatar as it seeks to host soccer 's showpiece event for the second time , having staged it in 1994 . U.S. decides to focus on its bid to win right to host the 2022 World Cup . American withdrawal from 2018 bid leaves just four candidates , all from Europe . Qatar will compete with Australia , Japan , South Korea and Qatar for 1994 rights . It second hosted soccer 's showpiece tournament in 2022 , and has not done so since .
U.S. decides to focus on its bid to win right to host the 2022 World Cup . American withdrawal from 2018 bid leaves just four candidates , all from Europe . Qatar will compete with Australia , Japan , South Korea and Qatar for 1994 rights . It second hosted soccer 's showpiece tournament in 2022 , and has not done so since .