Denver is currently in a great position to host 2026 FIFA World Cup games, bid COMMITTEE member says

City officials and leaders gathered in front of Broncos Stadium at Mile High on July 11, 2019 for a press conference to announce Denver as candidate for 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photo Courtesy: Visit Denver

City officials and leaders gathered in front of Broncos Stadium at Mile High on July 11, 2019 for a press conference to announce Denver as candidate for 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photo Courtesy: Visit Denver

By Javier Arellano January 27, 2021

Denver, Colo. - By the end of the year Denver could be one of the final 16 cities selected to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

Getting to this point has been a rigorous process for all cities involved, not just Denver. On July 2017 the United Bid Committee between Canada, Mexico and the United States was formed. Two months later, 41 cities across North America submitted their proposal, which saw the list be reduced down to 32 candidates by October 2017. It wasn’t until March 15, 2018 when the final 23 prospective cities were announced, with Denver making the cut.

On July 2019, city officials and leaders gathered to formally make the announcement in front of Broncos Stadium at Mile High.

Originally, the selection for the final 16 cities should have been in the final stages by now, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced FIFA officials to cancel city visits. “With COVID-19 taking everyone by surprise last year, it has slowed the selection process for us here in Colorado and everywhere else”, says Nate Shotts, Colorado Soccer Association CEO & Denver 2026 World Cup Bid Committee member. “Although we feel like we’re in a great position right now, we’re excited and looking forward to showcasing everything Denver has to offer and hopefully make the final cut”.

All parties involved have remained in constant communication, hosting virtual meetings to be as prepared as possible for when the time comes. That could be as early as July when FIFA begins in-person venue visits, if and only local health & safety measures allow.

Below are the final 23 candidate host cities with both Mexico and Canada having three candidates apiece, while the United States has put forward 17 options:

  • Edmonton

  • Montreal

  • Toronto

  • Guadalajara

  • Mexico City

  • Monterrey

  • Atlanta

  • Baltimore

  • Boston

  • Cincinnati

  • Dallas

  • Denver

  • Houston

  • Kansas City

  • Los Angeles

  • Miami

  • Nashville

  • “New York/New Jersey”

  • Orlando

  • Philadelphia

  • “San Francisco Bay Area”

  • Seattle

  • Washington, DC

For the latest updates on the Denver 2026 World Cup effort, make sure to visit denver2026.com