Seattle has moved one step closer to becoming a host city for the 2026 World Cup, advancing through the latest round of cuts that now brings the number of candidates to 32 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The last round lopped off nine cities, leaving 25 from the United States.
“We have more than double the number of cities required to stage matches in 2026,” United Bid Chairman Sunil Gulati said in a statement. “We have a vision for growing the game and engaging fans as never before. Our biggest challenge will be finding ways to honor the enthusiasm of all the people across Canada, Mexico and the United States through the development of our united hosting concept.