On June 16, FIFA will announce its host cities for the 2026 Men’s World Cup to be held in the U.S. (Houston: hotel, construction)

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by NigerianNightmare

Seattle and Atlanta are probably the biggest shoe-in's just based on soccer culture and locations of their stadiums/fanbases alone. Two biggest MLS franchises teams and great stadium locations as well. NYC and L.A is more because of city-size because Inglewood and East Rutherford while close, aren't exactly the city center or have amenities near them that's desirable for pre and postgame events. But it's NYC and L.A and the rail links are there as well.

I don’t think MLS has any factor in this. I don’t think Seattle will get a game. Atlanta definitely will I just don’t think it’s because of their MLS team.

[Mr. Clutch]

Originally Posted by As Above So Below...

Before Astroworld I would have bet on us. Now, Im not sure.

I agree that hurt us but even before then I was pessimistic.

I'm actually a little more optimistic now than I was then because the DC bid is essentially Baltimore now as DC pulled FedEx Field from consideration. That weakens it considerably - before when I thought DC was a shoo-in, now I'm not so sure.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by Mr. Clutch

I agree that hurt us but even before then I was pessimistic.

I'm actually a little more optimistic now than I was then because the DC bid is essentially Baltimore now as DC pulled FedEx Field from consideration. That weakens it considerably - before when I thought DC was a shoo-in, now I'm not so sure.

Not sure why that would make you any more optimistic. Baltimore wasn't expected to be selected. That's why they combined bids (it was more of a prouder way to drop out than anything).

This is the way I see it. Supposing that they stick to 3 in Canada and 3 in Mexico (they've mentioned this could change), this is how it plays out.

There's 10 spots.

Confirmed -

NYC (only confirmed place as it was announced it will host the Final)

Lock ins

• LA
• Atlanta
• Miami

Most likely in

• Dallas (AT&T Stadium seems to be popular for officials)
• SF
• DC

Supposing everything so far holds, this leaves 3 spots. Houston will battle it out to be among the following.

Fighting for the next spot

• Houston
• Philly
• Boston
• Seattle
• Denver
• Orlando
• Nashville

I would think they'll choose between Boston and Philly to spread it out. But one of the two will definitely make it. I don't think Orlando or Nashville have good chances. Houston ultimately battles it out between Seattle and Denver for the last 2 spots. I think Seattle makes it, and the choice from there is between Houston and Denver. I think the chance is better than you'd think, but definitely not guaranteed.

Most likely out

Cincinnatti
Kansas City

I didn't include there because I doubt they will be considered from there.

Honestly, I'm upset Vegas wasn't too late for the show despite the fact that it helps out chances.

[DabOnEm]

Although Astroworld was tragic, I'm not sure it plays that big a part in the FIFA decision. What they are most worried about is money and access to more fans. That's why I'm not so sure Seattle gets a game as they are just two hours away from Vancouver which would host a game. Now someone will say, then why would Houston get a game when Dallas is just four hours away, and to that I'd say there's far more soccer fans in the area here (in general). Plus a large Latin American population and the city's history hosting soccer events.

I'm gonna say NYC, LA, SF, Miami, DFW, and ATL are lock-ins. Because DC pulled Fed Ex Field from their bid, I think it opened the door for Philly to take it in. They can do all the "original capital of America" thing with Philly. Because of this, I think the remaining cities would actually be Houston (reasons named), Denver (for the Interior West fans and they can easily pull from soccer crazy Kansas City), and Boston.

Personally don't think the World Cup is going to Baltimore, although it'd be an easy positive story spin if it coincided with Baltimore getting a much needed face lift.

I agree with PS about Vegas. That would have been a sweet spot to have some games. If Vegas was in it, Seattle and Denver would have been automatic outs IMO, and Vegas might even have had a shot at hosting the championship game. Their stadium is insane and Vegas is an event hosting city.

[Spade]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

I don’t think MLS has any factor in this. I don’t think Seattle will get a game. Atlanta definitely will I just don’t think it’s because of their MLS team.

I also don't think MLS will factor in this. Atlanta maybe a shoe in because of their stadium and it's in downtown Atlanta. But MLS? meh.

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by Spade

I also don't think MLS will factor in this. Atlanta maybe a shoe in because of their stadium and it's in downtown Atlanta. But MLS? meh.

It's all about money ... MLS doesn't matter
That's why NY, LA and Chicago are guaranteed to get a few games

[DabOnEm]

Originally Posted by Dopo

It's all about money ... MLS doesn't matter
That's why NY, LA and Chicago are guaranteed to get a few games

Chicago withdrew its bid a few years ago, but I think this is why Houston will get chosen since more money can be made in Houston versus Seattle for the World Cup, IMO. It's also why places like Nashville won't get it because it's too small/too close to Atlanta. It is a reason why Orlando still has a decent shot due to the theme parks and tie-ins they can do with it, although Miami is relatively close.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by Dopo

It's all about money ... MLS doesn't matter
That's why NY, LA and Chicago are guaranteed to get a few games

You just dogged on SanJac for not “knowing about how the World Cup game environments are” and you just said Chicago is gauranteed to get a few games. Come on man do better then that

[Dopo]

My expertise is past world cups, not future world cups

[SanJac]

DMN article implies Dallas and Houston would be host cities…. Nice to see DFW on our side…

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/fc...-announcement/