If the United States gains control of any territory outside its sovereignty as of Issuance before Mar 1, 2026, then the market resolves to Yes. An announcement by the United States and the entity that controls the territory that it will happen is also encompassed by the Payout Criterion. The territory must come under formal governance or jurisdiction of the United States, either as a state, territory, or other classification within the US system, where it was not previously. Merely leasing a given part in territory – for example, setting up a military base on leased territory – is not encompassed by the Payout Criterion. This market will close and expire early if the event occurs.