United States 2026 FIFA World Cup bid
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has expressed interest in bidding to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, either alone or with Mexico.[1] The decision to bid will be made after the bidding process is announced.[2] The United States would be a favorite to host if a bid is placed.[3]
History
U.S. Soccer has hosted several global soccer tournaments, including the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the FIFA Women's World Cup in 1999 and 2003, and the Summer Olympics in 1984 and 1996. CONCACAF has called for the 2026 World Cup to be held in its region.[4]
Former U.S. player Alexi Lalas made public his support for the bid, saying, "Nobody will do it better, it will make the most money in the history of World Cups, it will be coming to a culture that loves soccer and it just makes all the sense in the world".[5] On 18 April 2015, Brazilian icon Pele stated that the US should host the 2026 World Cup.[6] The U.S. hosting the World Cup in 2026 would coincide with the nation's 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.[7]
The bidding process was due to start in 2015, with the appointment of hosts previously scheduled for the FIFA Congress on 10 May 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[8][9] On 10 June 2015, it was announced the bidding process has been postponed, amid corruption allegations around the previous tournaments, due to be held in 2018 (Russia), as well as 2022 (Qatar).[10][11]
The USSF has been skeptical about presenting a bid. President Sunil Gulati stated the United States would only seriously consider bidding for the 2026 World Cup if the bidding process is more transparent and fair.[12]
Venues
Stadiums must be able to accommodate a 20,000 square feet (1,900 m2) hospitality village no more than 150 metres from the stadium. They must also have a capacity of at least 40,000 for group and second round matches and 60,000 for quarter finals and beyond.[13] There are many stadiums capable of hosting the World Cup in the United States: there are 137 stadiums in the United States that have a capacity of 40,000 or more- 80 of which have a capacity of 60,000 or more.
The United States does not have expansive soccer-specific stadiums. However, many American football stadiums have been successfully converted for previous international competitions. The majority of stadiums in any World Cup bid will be stadiums where the National Football League (NFL) is the primary tenant.
References
- ↑ "United States, Mexico in talks for joint 2026".
- ↑ "U.S. Soccer president says 2026 World Cup bid undecided, haven't talked Mexico joint bid".
- ↑ "The U.S. Is The Clear Favorite To Land 2026 World Cup".
- ↑ "CONCACAF president is pushing hard to land 2026 World Cup". latimes.com. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
- ↑ "Alexi Lalas: U.S. only choice to host 2026 World Cup, no Canada joint bid".
- ↑ "Pelé: US deserves World Cup", New York Post, April 18, 2015.
- ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/usa/11486936/World-Cup-2026-United-States-dream-of-celebrating-250th-anniversary-of-independence-with-World-Cup-final.html
- ↑ "2022 FIFA World Cup to be played in November/December". FIFA.com. 20 March 2015.
- ↑ "FIFA defers decision on continental rotation for WCup bids". Yahoo! News (via Associated Press). 2015-05-25.
- ↑ "Fifa 2026 World Cup bidding process delayed". BBC News. 10 June 2015.
- ↑ "FIFA Statement on 2026 FIFA World Cup bidding". FIFA.com. 10 June 2015.
- ↑ "Sunil Gulati says US Soccer will bid to host 2026 World Cup if FIFA clarifies process". New England Sports Network. 9 October 2013. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
- ↑ Kelso, Paul (26 May 2009). "London Olympic Stadium possible venue for 2018 World Cup". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 15 June 2009.