The Government of Canada Announces its Support-in-Principle for the United 2026 bid to Co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in Canada, Mexico and the United States
News release
TORONTO, March 13, 2018
Today, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, announced that the Government of Canada is supporting-in-principle the United 2026 bid to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Held every four years, the FIFA World Cup™ is the most prestigious tournament for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Co-hosting this international event watched by billions of people worldwide would provide considerable sport, social, community, cultural and economic benefits as well as showcase Canada around the world.
While Canada has never hosted the FIFA World Cup™ for Men, it has successfully hosted all other FIFA competitions, including the record setting FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™. Held in six cities and provinces from coast to coast across Canada, 1.35 million spectators that attended the newly expanded 24-team competition contributed to an economic impact of nearly a half-a-billion dollars.
The soccer governing bodies for Canada, Mexico and the United States jointly announced on April 10, 2017, that they would pursue a bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
The importance of the Canada-United States-Mexico relationship is reflected in our strong diplomatic, cultural, educational and commercial relations. Canada remains committed to strengthening its multi-faceted relationship with its North American friends and allies. The collaboration of our three governments in support of the United Bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is another example of how much our three countries can achieve when we work together toward common goals.
On June 13, 2018, FIFA will announce if United 2026, Morocco, or neither bidder will host the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Quotes
“Hosting major sporting events allows Canadian athletes to compete at home in front of their families, friends and fans. It is also a significant opportunity for Canadians to witness, first-hand, world-class sport competitions. What better place to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ than in our multicultural cities where every team is a home team!”
—The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport and Persons with Disabilities
“On behalf of Canada Soccer, I would like to thank the Government of Canada for their support of the United Bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Canada has raised the bar for women’s and youth FIFA competitions including the most recent record-setting FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ and as the only G7 country to have not hosted the men’s competition, we are more than ready to welcome the world along with our neighbours in Mexico and the United States.”
—Steven Reed, President, Canada Soccer and Co-chair, United Bid Committee
Quick facts
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The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 helped generate $493.6 million in economic activity for Canada.
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The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada’s sport system, promoting sport participation among all Canadians and providing support for young athletes, their national and multisport organizations, and the hosting of international events so that our athletes can compete with the best.
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If the event is awarded to United 2026, the Government of Canada will provide up to $5 million to support continued development of event plans and budgets that will inform future decisions around specific funding for the event.
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Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
Annabelle Archambault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Sport and
Persons with Disabilities
819-953-1275
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca
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