The United States, Canada and Mexico have won the right to host the 2026 World Cup after a vote of Fifa delegates in Moscow.

A joint bid by the three North American countries under the name ’United’ saw off the challenge of a rival proposal from Morocco, winning over two-thirds of the vote.

The United bid persuaded 134 of the 203 delegates present at the 68th annual Fifa congress, which was held on the eve of the 2018 tournament in Russia.

Morocco hoped to become the second African nation to host the tournament but earned just 65 votes on Wednesday and suffered defeat in a World Cup bidding process for the fifth time. One delegate, representing Togo, voted ‘none of the above’.

2026 will therefore see the World Cup return to North America for the first time since 1994, when the United States hosted alone. Mexico has staged the World Cup twice, in 1970 and 1986, but it will be Canada’s first experience as a host.

The 2026 tournament will also be the second World Cup hosted in more than one country, following Japan and South Korea’s joint effort in 2002. Canada and Mexico will stage just 10 games each, however. The United States will host 60 matches in total, including all games from the quarter-finals onwards.

Carlos Cordeiro, the president of US Soccer and one of the United bid’s figureheads, told the Fifa congress: “It’s a bit emotional for us today. Thank you so, so very much for this incredible honour. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

“The beautiful game transcends borders and cultures. Football today is the only victor. And in that spirit we wish all Russian hosts and all the teams competing here the very best of luck.”