U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio have introduced a measure in the U.S. Senate Thursday that will give a last-minute boost to Miami and Orlando’s hopes to host the 2026 World Cup matches.
The move comes one week before FIFA holds a vote in Moscow next week to select the host country for the 2026 World Cup. FIFA will select either Morocco, or a joint bid from the U.S., Canada and Mexico to host.
“Being a World Cup host city is a really big deal,” said Sen. Bill Nelson. “It could provide an economic jolt to both Orlando and Miami while also allowing them to showcase all they have to offer to a huge international audience. That’s why we’re going all out to make this happen.”
“The World Cup provides a unique opportunity to bring people from across the world together to showcase a shared passion and deepen relationships,” said Sen. Rubio.
A recent economic impact study shows that World Cup cities could reap up to $500 million each.
Orlando and Miami are among 23 North American cities in the running to host the World Cup matches.
Other potential cities in North America include: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Edmonton, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Monterrey, Montreal, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington, D.C.
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The 2026 World Cup will feature 80 matches involving 48 teams from around the world.
The Senate could vote on the resolution as early as Monday.
