On July 6, 2017, the United States Soccer Federation, along with the Canadian Soccer Association and Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, formed an unprecedented United Bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ throughout North America. This unique partnership was designed to handle the expanded 48-team format.
During the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow on June 13, 2018, FIFA’s member associations, for the first time, were given the opportunity to vote on the host for the world’s biggest sporting event. The North American contingent was chosen overwhelmingly.
The Denver 2026 Bid Committee formed in June 2019 and is vying to become a host city for multiple matches. FIFA will select up to 16 host cities from a slate of 23 candidates.
“The number and diversity of cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States represent the most comprehensive and far-reaching hosting strategy ever developed for a mega-sporting event. It further demonstrates the United Bid's commitment to welcoming the world to a united and inclusive celebration of football where every one of the 48 teams will be playing in some of the world's largest and most advanced facilities,” said a statement by the United Bid.
2026 FIFA World Cup™ Facts and Figures*
48
Teams
80
Matches
1100
+
PLAYERS
$
14
B
Projected revenue
$
11
B
Projected profit
$
5
B
Projected economic impact
5
M
Projected ticket sales
*Provided by the United Bid
2026 FIFA World Cup™ bid timeline
July 6
2017
Soccer federations from the United States, Canada and Mexico form an unprecedented joint bid effort to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ throughout North America.
Sept 7
2017
Forty-one North American cities submit bids to serve as host cities.
Oct 4
2017
United Bid Committee announces 32 prospective host cities.
Mar 15
2018
Final list of 23 candidate host cities (3 in Canada, 3 in Mexico and 17 in the United States) is announced. It’s the most comprehensive, diverse and far-reaching hosting strategy ever developed for a mega-sporting event.
June 13
2018
At the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, the United Bid is voted to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, a first in 32 years for North America.
June
2019
Denver Bid Committee forms.
Q1
2021
Announcement of the actual host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. It’s the first time it will feature 48 teams.
-
United Bid
Committee formedJuly 6
2017
-
41 cities submit
Sept 7
2017
-
32 prospective
cities announcedOct 4
2017
-
23 final prospective
cities announcedMar 15
2018
-
United Bid
selectedJune 13
2018
-
Denver Bid
Committee formedJune
2019
-
Final host cities
announcedQ1
2021