[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 144 (Tuesday, September 17, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5246-H5248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT

  Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and pass the bill (H.R. 7438) to require the Secretary of the Treasury 
to mint coins in commemoration of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and for 
other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 7438

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``FIFA World Cup 2026 
     Commemorative Coin Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) The FIFA World Cup 2026--
       (A) will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada;
       (B) will be the first time the Men's World Cup has been 
     held in the United States in 32 years; and
       (C) will be the second Men's World Cup hosted by the United 
     States and the largest and most inclusive World Cup ever 
     hosted, with 48 teams in 16 cities across 3 countries.
       (2) Host cities and locations in the United States will 
     include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los 
     Angeles, Miami, the New York/New Jersey area, the San 
     Francisco Bay area, and Seattle.
       (3) The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be organized under a FIFA-
     led operating model, which was introduced in the FIFA Women's 
     World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
       (4) Through the FIFA-led operating model, the FIFA World 
     Cup 2026 is being planned and executed by FWC2026 US, Inc., 
     an organization exempt from taxation pursuant to section 
     501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, headquartered 
     in Miami.
       (5) The FIFA-led operating model includes a guaranteed 
     framework for providing a legacy fund to each participating 
     host member: the United States Soccer Federation, Canada 
     Soccer, and the Mexican Football Federation.
       (6) A FIFA World Cup 2026 commemorative coin program has 
     the opportunity to shape a lasting legacy for the sport of 
     soccer in the United States, support underserved communities, 
     and celebrate a unifying global event.

     SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.

       (a) Denominations.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall 
     mint and issue the following coins in commemoration of the 
     FIFA World Cup 2026:
       (1) $5 gold coins.--Not more than 100,000 $5 coins, each of 
     which shall--
       (A) weigh 8.359 grams;
       (B) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and
       (C) contain not less than 90 percent gold.
       (2) $1 silver coins.--Not more than 500,000 $1 coins, each 
     of which shall--
       (A) weigh 26.73 grams;
       (B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and
       (C) contain not less than 90 percent silver.
       (3) Half-dollar clad coins.--Not more than 750,000 half-
     dollar coins, each of which shall--
       (A) weigh 11.34 grams;
       (B) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and
       (C) be minted to the specifications for half-dollar coins 
     contained in section 5112(b) of title 31, United States Code.
       (b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be 
     legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United 
     States Code.
       (c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of sections 5134 and 
     5136 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under 
     this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.
       (d) Mintage Limit Exception.--If the Secretary determines, 
     based on independent, market-based research conducted by 
     FWC2026 US, Inc., that the mintage levels described in this 
     section are not adequate to meet public demand, the Secretary 
     may increase the mintage levels as the Secretary determines 
     is necessary to meet public demand.

     SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.

       (a) Design Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--The designs of the coins minted under this 
     Act shall be emblematic of the sport of soccer and the FIFA 
     World Cup.
       (2) Designation and inscriptions.--On each coin minted 
     under this Act, there shall be--
       (A) a designation of the value of the coin;
       (B) an inscription of the year ``2026''; and
       (C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God We 
     Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E Pluribus 
     Unum''.
       (3) Selection.--The designs for the coins minted under this 
     Act shall be--
       (A) selected by the Secretary after consultation with--
       (i) FWC2026 US, Inc.; and
       (ii) the Commission of Fine Arts; and
       (B) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

     SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.

       (a) Quality of Coins.--The Secretary may issue coins minted 
     under this Act in uncirculated and proof qualities.
       (b) Period of Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins 
     under this Act only during the calendar year beginning on 
     January 1, 2026.

     SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.

       (a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this Act shall be 
     sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of--
       (1) the face value of the coins;
       (2) the surcharge provided in section 7(a) with respect to 
     such coins; and
       (3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including 
     labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, 
     marketing, and shipping).
       (b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the 
     coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.
       (c) Prepaid Orders.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders 
     for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of 
     such coins.
       (2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders 
     under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount.

     SEC. 7. SURCHARGES.

       (a) In General.--All sales of coins issued under this Act 
     shall include a surcharge of--
       (1) $35 per coin for the $5 coin;
       (2) $10 per coin for the $1 coin; and
       (3) $5 per coin for the half-dollar coin.
       (b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, 
     United States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary 
     from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be paid to 
     FWC2026 US, Inc., for the purpose of aiding or executing 
     United States-based soccer programs and activities, including 
     the promotion of--
       (1) FIFA's legacy programs in the United States; and
       (2) efforts to grow the sport of soccer throughout the 
     United States, with a focus on youth, inner cities, and 
     underserved communities.
       (c) Audits.--FWC2026 US, Inc., shall be subject to the 
     audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United 
     States Code, with regard to the amounts received under 
     subsection (b).
       (d) Limitation.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), no 
     surcharge may be included with respect to the issuance under 
     this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the 
     time of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result 
     in the number of commemorative coin programs issued during 
     such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program 
     issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, 
     United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment 
     of this Act). The Secretary may issue guidance to carry out 
     this subsection.

     SEC. 8. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES.

       The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary 
     to ensure that--
       (1) minting and issuing coins under this Act will not 
     result in any net cost to the United States Government; and
       (2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, are 
     disbursed to any recipient designated in section 7(b) until 
     the total cost of designing and issuing all of the coins 
     authorized by this Act (including labor, materials, dies, use 
     of machinery, winning design compensation, overhead expenses, 
     and shipping) is recovered by the United States Treasury, 
     consistent with sections 5112(m) and 5134(f) of title 31, 
     United States Code.

     SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) FIFA.--The term ``FIFA'' means the Federation 
     Internationale de Football Association.
       (2) FIFA world cup 2026.--The term ``FIFA World Cup 2026'' 
     means the FIFA Men's World Cup held in 2026.
       (3) FWC2026 us, inc.--The term ``FWC2026 US, Inc.'' means 
     the FIFA subsidiary incorporated in the United States for the 
     purpose of operating the FIFA World Cup 2026 and related 
     programs.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Kim) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).


                             General Leave

  Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend 
their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill.

[[Page H5247]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7438, the FIFA 2026 World 
Cup Commemorative Coin Act. This is a bill that will direct the 
Department of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 
upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  Madam Speaker, as you drive around almost any American town on a 
Saturday morning in the fall or spring, there is a good chance you will 
drive past a youth soccer match in action. Young boys and girls are 
giving it their all, dreaming of becoming the next Christian Pulisic or 
Alex Morgan.
  The popularity of the sport of soccer has been on the rise in the 
United States since the 1960s. The biggest boom came after our country 
hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 1994.
  The excitement of that tournament led to the creation of Major League 
Soccer, which has grown from 10 teams in 2005 to its current 29 teams.

                              {time}  1415

  One can only imagine the excitement that will be generated by hosting 
our second World Cup tournament. The 23rd FIFA World Cup in 2026 will 
be the first time that 48 teams will participate. That is up from 32.
  Along with 5 cities from our neighbors in Canada and Mexico, 11 U.S. 
cities will have the chance to showcase to the world the brilliance and 
diversity of our great Nation.
  The United States will host matches in Dallas, Kansas City, Houston, 
Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, 
Miami, and, in what is sure to be a thrilling final match at MetLife 
Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.
  Little boys and girls all over the country will have the opportunity 
to watch these international superstars compete, a memory that will be 
sure to last a lifetime.
  This bill will allow the United States Mint to produce a 
commemorative coin, which will provide Americans a physical keepsake. 
An added benefit of the Mint's Commemorative Coin Program is that there 
is a surcharge within the cost of the coin that helps raise money for 
important causes. In this case, the cause for this coin benefits soccer 
programs and activities around the United States. This will inspire the 
next generation of soccer stars in our country.
  Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), my 
good friend, and his over 290 cosponsors for introducing this worthy 
legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7438.
  Go Team USA.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7438, the FIFA World Cup 
2026 Commemorative Coin Act, sponsored by the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. LaHood).
  Madam Speaker, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to celebrate 
the FIFA World Cup 2026 through this commemorative coin bill, as it 
will be the first time the men's World Cup has been held in the United 
States in 32 years.
  I am also proud this event will be held in part of Los Angeles. Not 
only that, but it will be the largest and most inclusive World Cup ever 
hosted. Host cities are spread throughout the United States, Mexico, 
and Canada, with 48 teams competing in 16 different cities, including 
my hometown of Los Angeles and 10 other American cities.
  This commemorative coin will provide a unique opportunity to inspire 
love of soccer in the United States while also celebrating this 
unifying global event. It is estimated that 16 million fans will attend 
the matches in the United States alone.
  This World Cup 2026 is organized by FWC26, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit in 
the United States, which is designed to continue after the event has 
ended, emphasizing the organization's long-term commitment to soccer in 
the United States.
  Specifically, this commemorative coin is designed to encourage United 
States-based soccer programs, as the proceeds from the sale of these 
coins will be used to grow the sport of soccer throughout the United 
States with a focus on youth in underserved communities.
  Madam Speaker, I applaud the sponsors of this bill, and I urge my 
colleagues to support passage of this measure.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood).
  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California 
(Mrs. Kim) for yielding me the time. I echo the comments of both of my 
colleagues who spoke today.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of our bill, H.R. 7438, the 
FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act. FIFA stands for Federation 
of International Football Association. As the co-chair of the 
Congressional Soccer Caucus, I am proud to lead the coin bill effort 
with my co-chairs of the Soccer Caucus, the gentleman from Washington 
(Mr. Larsen), the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), and the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).
  I am also very honored that the U.S. Soccer Federation, which 
operates the men's and women's team, is based in my home State of 
Illinois. Also, in my district, I have seven colleges and universities 
that have men's and women's soccer.
  The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest sporting event in the 
history of the world. It will be hosted jointly by the United States, 
Mexico, and Canada, the first time that three countries have hosted the 
World Cup.
  We expect nearly 6 million fans to attend the matches in the United 
States alone. Half will be traveling to the United States from other 
countries. As has been noted, this is the first World Cup in 100 years 
where we expand it to 48 teams from the current 32 teams.
  Hosting the tournament, which includes 104 matches in 16 cities, 11 
of those cities in the United States, will bring generational 
opportunities to elevate soccer and build greater economic benefits in 
the States, cities, and local communities throughout the country.
  Soccer is a global sport, one that continues to rapidly grow in the 
United States, and provides healthy outlets and opportunities for youth 
of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
  The FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act will help support 
legacy programs for youth in underserved and rural communities across 
the Nation, ensuring kids engage in physical activity and sport.
  The proceeds of the coin will support the growth of soccer throughout 
the United States with a focus on youth in rural areas, inner cities, 
and underserved communities. It is an exciting time for soccer in the 
United States.
  The Soccer Caucus was proud to pass a resolution in 2017 supporting 
the United States' bid to host the 2026 World Cup, and I am proud to 
bring this bill to support the legacy of the World Cup to the floor 
here today.

  Madam Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues who signed onto this 
bill, 290 Republicans and Democrats, who are supportive of our 2026 
World Cup in the United States, along with Mexico and Canada.
  The Soccer Caucus will continue to work with our partners across the 
Federal Government and in the soccer community to ensure a safe, 
smooth, and exciting World Cup here in the United States in 2026.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
  Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance my time to 
close.
  Madam Speaker, this bill would direct the U.S. Mint to create a 
commemorative coin to honor the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be the 
first time a World Cup is hosted by three nations. I hope this event 
and the coin that we are creating today will bring together millions of 
people from different countries to celebrate soccer.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.

[[Page H5248]]

  

  Mrs. KIM of California. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to 
support H.R. 7438, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 7438.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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