September 8 – Forty-one North American cities have declared an interest in hosting matches at the 2026 World Cup as part of the joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A shortlist will be announced later this year with 20 to 25 to be included in the final bid to FIFA.
Morocco also says it is planning to bid for what will be the first finals with 48 teams. Next June’s FIFA Congress will vote on the host which will have to provide at least 12 cities.
In July, the US bid committee offered 44 cities a chance to show interest and got responses from all but three – Calgary, Alberta; Green Bay, Wis.; and San Diego. That leaves 32 cities in the US, six in Canada and three in Mexico up for consideration.
“The host cities will help define the united bid,” United Bid Committee Executive Director John Kristick said in a statement.
“Each will offer the best facilities and infrastructure to stage the world’s biggest single-event sporting competition, and together they will play a key role in the development of the sport in North America.”
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