North America Bid Committee For '26 World Cup Narrows Down List For Host Cities

The United Bid Committee (UBC) for the '26 FIFA World Cup has "narrowed down the list of cities across North America it is considering" as potential host cities from 41 to 32, which includes 25 cities in the U.S., four in Canada and three in Mexico, according to Paul Kennedy of SOCCER AMERICA. Out of the running are Birmingham, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Ottawa and Regina, Saskatchewan. Reps from the 32 cities will meet with the UBC for a "working session the week of Nov. 13 in Houston." The UBC will "work with the cities to include them in its bid strategy and vision and help them finalize the hosting documents required by FIFA" (SOCCERAMERICA.com, 10/4). ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle noted the official host city selection process "took into account various factors including city profiles, stadiums, support facilities (training sites and hotels) and services such as transportation." The UBC also "looked at ways each city could contribute to furthering the sport's development, including the social, economic and environmental legacy" (ESPNFC.us, 10/4). In L.A., Kevin Baxter notes the final list of host cities is "not expected to exceed 12" (L.A. TIMES, 10/5). In DC, Steven Goff writes all three Mexican bid cities (Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey) are "widely expected to make the final cut." Canada will "probably settle for two venues" (WASHINGTON POST, 10/5). In Dallas, Buzz Carrick reports being dropped from the list "does not mean a given city is shut out of the World Cup." UBC Exec Dir John Kristick said that dropped cities "may be involved further" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/5).