The United Bid from Canada, Mexico and the United States has been selected to be the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier today by the FIFA Congress in Moscow.
Kansas City is one of 23 candidate host cities in the United Bid, according to an announcement today from Sporting Kansas City.
“The United Bid’s successful effort in bringing the 2026 World Cup to North America is a monumental breakthrough for soccer in the United States, Canada and Mexico,” said Cliff Illig, Sporting Kansas City owner. “As a result of these three nations and countless individuals collaborating to deliver an excellent bid, we are now in position to elevate and advance the sport like never before. We are proud of Kansas City’s involvement in the United Bid and look forward to 2026 with tremendous excitement. This is a reward for our unwavering belief and commitment to the growth of soccer, and we will continue to make major strides over the next eight years to ensure that we stage an unforgettable World Cup.”
Today’s vote, which occurred a day before the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, also marks the first time three nations have been selected to co-host a FIFA World Cup and the first time the FIFA World Cup will be played in North America in 32 years. The United Bid offers FIFA and its 211 Member Associations unity, certainty, and opportunity as they prepare to host the largest FIFA World Cup in history, which will be expanded to a 48-team format.
With the FIFA Congress decision to award the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to the federations of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the three nations will jointly manage preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup until FIFA establishes their operations to manage the competition. Among other decisions, FIFA will make the final selection of host cities for the 2026 competition from the 23 candidates proposed in the United Bid.
Each of the United Bid’s 23 proposed stadiums are fully built, occupied, and operational, ensuring long-term use following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In addition, the United Bid has 150 existing world-class training facilities, millions of hotel rooms, and advanced infrastructure.
The United Bid is expected to generate more than $14 billion in revenue and $11 billion in profits for FIFA, which will be shared with the 211 FIFA Member Associations, helping further develop and expand the game of football (soccer) across the globe. Story from Sporting KC