2026 FIFA World Cup Coming to Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is currently one of 44 cities across the United States, Mexico and Canada that are being considered as possible sites to host the 2026 World Cup. The United Bid Committee, a federation representing these three countries, has now asked a number of specific cities to declare their interest in organizing the world’s biggest sporting event by September 5th, and commenting upon the proposal, Steve Hill, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, explained:
“They contacted the governor, the Raiders and myself to assess our initial interest and obviously we are interested. We decided to pursue what would be great opportunity for Las Vegas and Nevada.”
The development follows news earlier this year that the Oakland Raiders would be relocating their American football club to Las Vegas, with the renamed Las Vegas Raiders hoping to be ready in time for the 2020 NFL season. In the meantime, a 62 acres stretch of land to be called the Las Vegas Stadium is being developed to accommodate the new team, with the project expected to cost in the region of $1.9 billion. The completed stadium is also expected to comply with much of what the United Bid Committee is looking for in a stadium that could potentially host a soccer World Cup.
The last time the US hosted the FIFA World Cup was back in 1994, with a final decision on whether any of the 12 US candidate cities will be entered onto a short list for the 2026 bid expected to be made in June. Giving further insight into how the winning city will be eventually chosen, an article which appeared on the LVRJ recently stated:
“FIFA officials and United Bid Committee members would both be involved in choosing the host cities, which will be judged on their stadium, hotel facilities, transportation system and training facilities.”
Commenting on the criteria mentioned, Steve Hill said that Las Vegas would make a perfect location to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.