With the World Cup currently taking place in Russia, its only appropriate to talk about the very exciting announcement. A collective bid from the United States, Canada, and Mexico won the hosting privilege of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and Orlando potentially has the opportunity to be a part of it for a second time. This international soccer competition hosts men’s national teams fighting for the championship every four years. The World Cup will be returning to North America for the first time since 1994, in which the United States still maintains record-breaking attendance. “Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a rare and important moment to demonstrate that we are all truly united through sport,” said Carlos Cordeiro, president of U.S. Soccer and co-chair of the United Bid. 60 of the 80 matches are planned for American stadiums, which hold the quality and quantity able to welcome fans from all over.
Out of 23 cities, Orlando has been chosen by the United Bid Committee to be a potential host. Orlando’s love for soccer is just a small percentage of North America’s great appreciation for the sport, so there’s no doubt that the support will be groundbreaking. With the potential to host matches here in Orlando, we welcome the worldwide shared appreciation and passion coming together to further the sport’s success. Crowds will undoubtedly flood businesses in our area, growing and promoting what we excel at. A recent economic impact study says that hosting cities could acquire up to $500 million in economic activity each. With tourism as our claim to fame and our newly reconstructed Camping World Stadium, Orlando is ideal to host the world’s best players.
North America’s hosting position could create more than $5 billion in economic activity More than $14 billion in revenue and $11 billion in profits for FIFA is also anticipated from the United Bid. This will be the first time ever that three countries will share the big host honor, and the usual 32 competing nations will increase to 48. Every factor included in the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ guarantees enormous record breaking statistics and a memorable celebration of soccer. The United States might not have been qualified this year, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t win. Orlando, North America, FIFA, and soccer are about to make history again.