The biggest football (the soccer kind) tournament in the world might be coming to Washington, D.C.
This week, D.C. United soccer club and Events DC announced a bid for Washington, D.C., as the location of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The Cup, which pits the best international men's soccer teams against each other every four years, will be hosted this year by not one country. but three.
In a press release, Events DC said the nation's capital is “positioned to be an unmatched host city for the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup, for the first time spanning three nations: Mexico, Canada, and U.S.”
The most recent Cup champion is France, which beat Russia in 2018.
We are #UnitedByTheGame. Join the #DC2026 movement today ➡️ https://t.co/0KxJzosFg3 🏆⚽️ pic.twitter.com/9piz9sdQhK
— DC2026 World Cup Bid (@dc2026) June 30, 2020
A Bid for D.C.
Though the host nations are already decided, which cities host the 80 matches played between 48 teams will be decided by a bidding process. During that process, cities are graded on their infrastructure and facilities. Fans can support their favorite bids through social media campaigns.
Washington, DC (@dc2026) is excited to announce our bid to host the 2026 @FIFAWorldCup. 🏆 Join the movement and pledge your support today by clicking here: https://t.co/jRQyVQJe5z ⚽️ #UnitedByTheGame #DC2026 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/gjLLRFF7QE
— dcunited (@dcunited) June 30, 2020
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser noted that the global sporting event could be something to look forward to during these pandemic times.
“And when the tournament comes to North America, it only makes sense for D.C.—the Sports Capital and District of Champions—to host. We are already a city united by the game, and in 2026, we look forward to uniting the world,” Bowser said in the release.
The D.C. bid proposes multiple training sites, including D.C. United’s Audi Field, The Fields at RFK Campus, Trinity University, and the Maryland SoccerPlex. The tournament’s fan fest events will be held at the National Mall.
For more details on the bid campaign and to pledge your support, you can visit dc2026.org.
Would you like to see the World Cup come to DC? Comment and join the discussion!
