[ad_1]
FIFA, the governing body of world football, ended its visits to the potential venues for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico, in Toronto on Monday, saying a decision on cities can be expected in April. .
After inspecting 22 cities and 23 locations, a FIFA delegation will present a report in which 16 hosts will be selected, although Colin Smith, head of FIFA tournaments and events, suggested that this number was not written in stone.
“When the offer was made, 16 references were made, and we considered it, but it’s ultimately in the hands of FIFA,” Smith said, looking at the BMO Field National Stadium in Canada on the top floor of a downtown Toronto hotel after a media conference. “We will end these visits, and then we will decide the best amount we need to organize the tournament.
“We haven’t set an exact time yet (room forecast), but I suspect April will be more likely than March.
Xavi has not ruled out Dembele for the match against Benfica
Toronto and Edmonton are the two Canadian cities that offer games, with Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City as Mexican candidates.
Expanding the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams, the joint bid calls on Canada and Mexico to win 10 matches, with the rest going to the United States.
Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York / New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle and Washington DC are US headquarters.
The FIFA delegation looked at everything from infrastructure, heritage projects, stadiums and practice facilities.
“Overall we were very pleased with the quality of the presentations,” Smith said. “It’s been a very competitive process that will make our decision even more difficult.”
Vancouver, home to the 2015 Women’s World Cup final, was late in showing interest in taking part in the World Cup action, but CONCACAF president and FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani threw cold water at the suggestion on Monday.
“I know the British Prime Minister (John Horgan) showed some interest and that’s great,” said Montagliani, Smith, Toronto’s John Tory Mayor and Lisa MacLeod, Ontario’s Heritage Minister, Sports Minister and Montagliani, who met at the table. Tourism and Culture. “But we’re talking about the players we have right now, not the players who aren’t on the team.”
[ad_2]
Source link
