Eleven cities across the USA will host the 2026 World Cup.
While Mexico and Canada will also play a significant part in proceedings, the bulk of the action is taking place in the United States.
The summer of soccer unfolds from coast to coast in the US as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.
The Eastern region contains Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Miami and Atlanta. Houston, Dallas and Kansas City form the Central region. Out on the West Coast, games will be played in Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
One notable exception, however, is Chicago – and there’s a reason why they are not hosting.
Former Chicago Mayor rejected FIFA’s proposals
Former mayor Rahm Emanuel rejected FIFA’s proposal to play games in Chicago.
Chicago was a host city during the last men’s World Cup played in the US, which came back in 1994.
It seemed like an ideal place to host games, not only because of that history, but also due to the fact it boasts an iconic stadium in Soldier Field.
However, Mayor Emanuel rejected FIFA’s proposal for two reasons. One because he did not feel like his city was getting a fair deal, and the other because there was a chance the sport’s governing body could put a roof on Soldier Field.
Of the deal, Mayor Emanuel told The Athletic: “We were on the front end of the bad side and the back end of the good side.
“I said, ‘I don’t know what any other mayor or governor is doing, but do you expect me to treat the Chicago taxpayers as the dumb money at the table? You’ve got to be kidding me!’”
When speaking about Soldier Field, he said: “They said in the contract that they had the right to request a dome being built over Soldier Field [the venue is open]. So I said: ‘You have got to take that out.’
“They go, ‘We never exercise it, but it’s something we ask everybody to include.’ I said, ‘I don’t care if you’ve never exercised it. There will always be a first. Take it out and we can work through the other issues.’ They said, ‘We can’t take it out.’
“So I said there is not a chance I am going to have you directing me on a $50 million-$100 million expense to the taxpayers. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. You can’t have something in there that leaves the city and the taxpayers exposed, where (FIFA) gets to decide it and I have no vote in it.”
FIFA take a large portion of the revenue from ticketing, broadcasting, sponsorship, concessions and car parking in any host city. That city, meanwhile, must cover the cost of public transportation, safety, security and protection, including medical services, fire protection, police and VIP services.
The USMNT played their final game before the World Cup at Soldier Field, losing 2-1 to Germany on Saturday.
Read more:
Why the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony won’t be held in the US
How FIFA retrofitted 16 stadium fields with natural grass for 2026 World Cup in North America
Why Kylian Mbappe has never watched back the 2022 World Cup final
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