Florida

Miami Among Cities Making Bid to Host Potential 2026 World Cup Games

Just weeks after hosting some of the world’s biggest soccer teams, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is looking to bring even more ‘futbol’ to South Florida – if the United States wins their bid to host the 2026 World Cup.

The stadium is one of four in Florida who placed a bid to host games should the collation of the United States, Mexico and Canada be awarded the tournament. In total, 44 cities placed bids.

The United Bid Committee is considering 49 stadiums in those regions for inclusion in the official bid that will be sent to soccer's international governing body, FIFA, in March.

Thousands flocked to Hard Rock Stadium to catch the El Clasico Miami game. NBC 6 Reporter Stephanie Bertini has more.

Hard Rock Stadium is joined by Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, Camping World Stadium in Orlando and Jacksonville’s EverBank Field as those in Florida. Games were played in Orlando when the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup and the 1996 Summer Olympics – while Miami also hosted games during those Olympic games at the former Orange Bowl stadium.

The committee announced Tuesday that it will review interest and select a short list of possible host cities in September. The bid ultimately sent to FIFA is expected to include up to 25 venues, but it is expected that 12 cities will be designated as official hosts.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first with a 48-team field. Morocco has also declared its intention to bid for the event.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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