Boston Chosen as Potential Host City for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Thursday, October 05, 2017
Boston Chosen as Potential Host City for 2026 FIFA World Cup
“We are pleased to have advanced to the next stage of evaluation as a Host City candidate for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and look forward to bringing the world's premier sporting competition back to Boston. We are proud of soccer's deep and rich history on our site, which includes hosting three FIFA World Cup competitions: the 1994 FIFA Men's World Cup, the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, and the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup,” said Boston Bid Chairperson and New England Revolution President Brian Bilello.
Bilello continued, “having the 1994 FIFA World Cup here in the United States helped launch MLS and forever changed the path of soccer in the United States. Since then, both our league and the passion for soccer in our community have flourished and continue to grow. We are excited for this opportunity to hopefully add a fourth FIFA World Cup to Boston's substantial soccer history and inspire a new era of growth for the beautiful game in the U.S. and Boston."
Next Steps
During the next stage of the bid process, the United Bid Committee will integrate the 32 potential host cities into the United bid strategy and vision, as well as work with local officials to finalize the hosting documents required by FIFA.
Representatives from the 32 potential host cities will travel to Houston, Texas during the week of November 13 for a working session with the United Bid Committee team.
“As we move to the next stage of the bid process, we’re even more confident we have everything needed to deliver the largest, most compelling FIFA World Cup in history and help accelerate the growth of soccer across North America and around the world. We have more than double the number of cities required to stage matches in 2026. We have a vision for growing the game and engaging fans as never before. Our biggest challenge will be finding ways to honor the enthusiasm of all the people across Canada, Mexico and the United States through the development of our united hosting concept,” said United Bid Chairman Sunil Gulati.
The Selection Process
The Official Host City selection process takes into account various factors such as city profile, stadium and support facilities (training sites, hotels) and services (e.g., transportation). The United Bid Committee also looked at ways each city could contribute to a united hosting strategy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ including their contribution to the sport's development and the United Bid’s vision – not only during the tournament, but in the eight-year build up and the social, economic, and environmental legacy.
Cities Chosen
The full list of 32 cities chosen is as follows:
Canada (4)
- Edmonton, Alberta
- Montréal, Québec
- Toronto, Ontario
- Vancouver, British Columbia
Mexico (3)
- Guadalajara, Jalisco
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Monterrey, Nuevo León
United States (25)
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Chicago, Illinois
- Dallas, Texas
- Denver, Colorado
- Detroit, Michigan
- Houston, Texas
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Los Angeles, California
- Miami, Florida
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Nashville, Tennessee
- New York, New York
- Orlando, Florida
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- San Francisco, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Tampa, Florida
- Washington, DC
Related Articles
- GoLocal HS Soccer Coaches Poll: North Fighting for Top Spot
- NEW: WPI to Host Robotic Soccer Tournament
- Worcester Soccer U14 Boys Win Central Mass. Championship
- Diverse Youth Soccer Team Making Worcester Proud
- GoLocal HS Soccer Coaches Poll: Is Algonquin Still No. 1?
- GoLocal HS Soccer Coaches Poll: Who’s No. 1 in Central MA?
- ALPHA MALE: How Soccer Dads Can Dress for Success
- GoLocal High School Soccer Coaches Poll: Who’s the Best in Central Mass?
- GoLocal High School Soccer Coaches Poll: North on Top
- 5 Weekend Musts: Soccer Comes To Worcester + More
- Power Pack: High School Rankings - Girls Soccer
- Nguyen: The Hope Solo Saga: U.S. Soccer and Domestic Violence Allegations
- REPORT: U.S. Men’s Soccer to Play Brazil at Gillette Stadium
- Former U.S. Women’s Soccer Star Wambach Arrested for DUI
- Best Cars for Soccer Moms
- FBI Charges Top FIFA Execs - What Does this Mean for Soccer?
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It