Denver had a strong fan turnout last month for a Mexico-Canada Gold Cup matchgetty images
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock "joined forces with leaders from the local soccer community" outside of Broncos Stadium to "spearhead a united push" to land '26 FIFA World Cup matches, according to Kyle Fredrickson of the DENVER POST. Denver’s early campaign to "rally public support signals an aggressive approach to boost the city’s reputation as a rising soccer hotbed with infrastructure to handle massive crowds at games and fan festivities." The bid committee created a website, Denver2026.com, which "touts international travel from DIA with easy light rail access into the city, a walkable downtown and stadium facilities that meet or exceed FIFA standards." Polis said, "We’re the only city in the American mountain west competing for the games. If the tournament is desiring to really represent the continent, it’s important we have that geographic diversity." A strong fan showing at Broncos Stadium last month for Concacaf Gold Cup matches gave Denver leaders "increased confidence that a World Cup reality is within reach" (DENVER POST, 7/12).
