The Canadian Soccer Association on Thursday in its '14-18 strategic plan revealed its desire for "hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup," according to Neil Davidson of the CP. A bid for the event "would probably have to be filed" around '18. Canada is "hosting the women’s World Cup" next year, and "getting that right is key to being able to giving the men’s tournament a shot." CONCACAF "has not hosted the men’s World Cup since the U.S." in '94. CSA President Victor Montagliani said, "We’re the only G-8 nation to not host the World Cup. ... I think it’s time for Canada to step up to the plate." Montagliani added that the World Cup bid is "part of the new blueprint’s strategy to encourage growth in the game in Canada" (CP, 1/23). In Philadelphia, Jonathan Tannenwald wrote there is "no doubt that Canada would be a great host nation." It has "beautiful, modern cities, lots of transportation infrastructure, and a diverse population that would flock to venues in droves." But the CSA's bid potential has "one huge weak spot: stadiums." Canada currently "only has four venues with capacities above 40,000." All four stadiums "have artificial surfaces, and while that may pass muster for the women, it surely won't for the men who run FIFA headquarters" (PHILLY.com, 1/23).
LOT OF OBSTACLES IN THE WAY: In Toronto, Kurtis Larson writes announcing plans to land the '26 World Cup is an "ambitious bid that seems like little more than a PR move" at this point. The '10 World Cup in South Africa cost roughly C$3.5B, and the "dollar figures for Canada might be similar, or at least in the ballpark." That number has "already spooked a Toronto committee to the point it nixed a bid for the 2024 Olympics this week." Canada also "doesn't have a single venue capable of hosting a men's World Cup match." Toronto's Rogers Centre, Montreal's Olympic Stadium, Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium and Vancouver's BC Place "all use plastic grass -- an unacceptable surface for the men's game." Additionally, Rogers Centre and Olympic Stadium are "beginning to rust." Larson: "Assuming those venues somehow suffice, Canada's bid would still need to include 4-6 more cities" (TORONTO SUN, 1/24). Meanwhile, the CBC's Nigel Reed wrote for Canada to land the World Cup, its national team needs to be able to "hold its head up and compete." Reed: "For the foreseeable future that is not going to happen." Canada has "neither the talent nor the depth to compete in its own backyard -- never mind on a world stage" (CBC.ca, 1/23).
