June 9– Edmonton in Canada, one of the candidate venues for the country’s three World Cup 2026hosting slots, is reporting a significant uptick in support for the event in the city.
At a time when public surveys in Tokyo show support for the Olympics dramatically dropping and states in Brazil refusing to host the Copa America. Edmonton residents are showing 77% for hosting the 2026 World Cup, a increase of 6% from 2018. They cite their reasons for support being the economic boost (40%), exposure for the city (32%), and benefits for tourism (21%).
The numbers are even higher for an additional survey that showed 93% favourability for the hosting (up from 89% in 2018).
Janelle Janis, Director of Edmonton Events said: “It is great to see public support for our hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2026continue to grow. In Edmonton, we have had fantastic experiences of hosting FIFA events, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015, the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2014, the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup in 2007, and the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship in 2002, and we are incredibly excited for this next step.”
The centrepiece to Edmonton’s hosting would be the 56,400 capacity Commonwealth Stadium that is located minutes from the city centre. As the capital of the province of Alberta and located at the North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton brings a very different and dynamic feel to the World Cup 2026 host venues. To communicate that the city has launched a new website at edmonton2026.com.
The city has committed to the recovery of sporting events as the pandemic recedes, having hosted both the NHL Stanley Cup Finals and the IIHF Junior World Championships in a secure and safe environment. It understands that the World Cup is a special opportunity to brand itself into the competition’s folklore.
The final decision on World Cup host venues is to be taken at the end of this year. Edmonton, alongside Montreal and Toronto, are the Canadian venues in pole position.
“As these surveys help to show, we will be ready to welcome the world in 2026. With Edmonton, FIFA can truly expect the best,”said Janis.
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