Boston In Running For 2026 World Cup

BOSTON, MA – Boston is one of 32 cities in North America shortlisted for the 2026 World Cup by United Bid Committee, which will submit its bid to soccer governing body FIFA in March 2018. The potential host cities include four in Canada, three in Mexico and 25 in the United States.

"Proud to be part of the effort to bring the World Cup back to Boston," New England Revolution President and Boston Bid Chairperson Brian Bilello tweeted Wednesday. "More work to do but exciting to take the next step."

During the next stage of the bid process, the United Bid Committee will coordinate with each of the cities to implement its strategy and vision for the World Cup, as well as work with officials to finalize the documents required by FIFA. Representatives from the 32 potential cities will travel to Houston the week of Nov. 13 for a workshop with the United Bid Committee.

The official selection process considers a variety of factors, such as city profile, stadiums and training facilities and housing and transportation services. The committee also looks at how each city might contribute to an overall hosting strategy, according to a media release.

"The 32 cities that we have identified as potential host cities, on their own and together, are prepared to welcome soccer fans from around the world," John Kristick, the committee’s executive director, said in a statement. "They are more than capable of helping fulfill the shared vision and ambition of FIFA and the United Bid in shaping the future of soccer in North America."

If FIFA picks the committee’s bid for the 2026 World Cup, at least 12 of the cities on the final list will host games. How soon a final decision will be made is unclear.

The cities shortlisted by the United Bid Committee are:

• Atlanta
• Baltimore
• Boston
• Charlotte, N.C.
• Chicago
• Cincinnati
• Dallas
• Denver
• Detroit
• Houston
• Kansas City, Mo.
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• Miami
• Minneapolis
• Nashville
• New York/New Jersey
• Orlando
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix/Glendale
• Salt Lake City
• San Francisco Bay Area
• Seattle
• Tampa
• Washington/Landover
• Edmonton, Alb.
• Montreal
• Toronto
• Vancouver
• Guadalajara, Jallisco
• Mexico City
• Monterey, Neuvo Leon

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