At a time when the political leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada are talking about barriers, the presidents of the soccer federations from the three countries joined in unity Monday, declaring their intention to submit an unprecedented three-nation bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sunil Gulati, president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, said talks with Canadian Soccer Assn. president Victor Montagliani and Mexican soccer president Decio de Maria have quietly taken place over the last four years, with all three executives agreeing a unified North American effort to put on world soccer’s most prestigious event could be as symbolic as the Statue of Liberty, glimmering in the harbor behind him.Gulati said 60 of the tournament’s 80 games will be played in the U.S. with 10 each scheduled for Mexico and Canada. All quarterfinal games will be played in the U.S. Among the likely candidates for the final is the Rams’ proposed new home in Inglewood.
"This is a milestone day for U.S. Soccer and for CONCACAF," Gulati said, referencing the regional confederation that oversees soccer in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. "We gave careful consideration to the prospect of bidding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and ultimately feel strongly this is the right thing for our region and for our sport.
U.S., Mexico and Canada announce joint World Cup 2026 bid - LA Times