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April 12, 2017 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - The 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the first to feature a new vision, and a never before seen trio of host countries. U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer Association and the Mexican Football Federation launched a joint bid to bring the World Cup to North America for 2026. The announcement was made on Monday in New York City.
The 'Three Amigos World Cup' would be the first tournament to feature 48-teams up from 32-teams. The U.S. would host 60 matches, Canada and Mexico would host 10 matches each. All matches at, and beyond the quarterfinals would be played in the United States. North America last hosted the World Cup in 1994, a 24-team tournament.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Coach Carl Robinson was delighted when he heard the news.
"Obviously excited," said Robinson following training on Tuesday. "I think it's been a long time since the last World Cup come to the U.S. - I think everyone's got on the same page for the benefit of all the countries, and I think it's a smart decision. So, really excited about it. It's a long way away, we know that, and hopefully we can get it over the line."
Vancouver native, Ben McKendry will be 33 years-old when the 2026 World Cup kicks off. He's hoping to still be involved in football at that time with a chance to play for Canada on the biggest stage in football.
"It's exciting," said McKendry. "Especially for a guy like me, who hopefully is still playing when it's going to be held. It's thrilling. The potential to have a few games here in Vancouver would also be unbelievable."
"It's great news," said Russell Teibert. "It's exciting for all three countries, especially Canada. We've only been to one World Cup. It would give us a great opportunity."
The 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea is the only World Cup with two countries as hosts. They both received automatic bids in the tournament. It's unknown if the U.S. , Canada, and Mexico would all receive an automatic bid. Canada hasn't qualified for a World Cup since 1986 and they might not make it in without an automatic bid.
"I don't know," said Tim Parker. "I think that's for FIFA to decide. I think it's tough to throw three teams into the mix."
Parker's, Canadian teammates were a little more excited about automatic bids.
"Yeah of course as a Canadian I'd love to," said McKendry. "The USA and Mexico have been successful in their qualifying campaigns in the last twenty, thirty years, but for Canada it'd be nice."
"Yes please," quipped Teibert.
Bringing a World Cup to any country dramatically changes that countries football mindset. We witnessed how much Canada came together from coast to coast during the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Being part of the men's World Cup could bring that same growth, development, positive interest, and engagement that we saw two years ago.
"World Cups bring a lot of attention, a lot of popularity, a lot of media," Jordan Harvey discussed. "I think the more that this country gets, Canada in particular, that influx of soccer information. I think that's what it'd be huge for. If they did get that bid, and they did get automatic entries into it, I think even more so. Seeing Canadian national team players in the World Cup would be huge for this country."
"You see soccer growing year after year," said Teibert. "You can see that in our fan base in how we keep getting more and more fans, and more excitement in the city about soccer. It's slowly getting more and more popular. Hopefully one day it will be one of thee most popular sports."
There was a bit of a surprise at the amount of potential matches distributed to Canada and Mexico. It almost appears that by including Canada and Mexico, you have a buffer or back up plan if U.S. politics are still a controversial hot topic in 2026. Obviously, Canada and Mexico don't want to appear as a poutine / guacamole side dish to the United States.
"I'm not sure," said Robinson. "I'll leave you, the experts and analysts to decide that, but obviously if we can get 10 games here in Canada, I'll be absolutely delighted for such a prestigious tournament."
"I don't have enough information to answer that question for you," admitted Harvey. "To host a Women's World Cup, and then potentially get 10 more games. I think that's huge for Canada. I don't think that's something that should be looked at as a negative. I think it's only a positive."
Not surprisingly, it was a diplomatic Canadian who used geography, and travel logistics to put sense on why Canada, and Mexico might be getting so few matches.
"I think it might make sense a little bit," revealed McKendry. "USA's obviously more central, and if you're having teams travel from Canada to Mexico and all over the place it might be difficult for the players. I think it does make more sense having more games in the USA. - Easier to travel."
Currently Toronto's BMO Field is the lone venue in Canada with a proper grass pitch. There was quite a hullabaloo that surrounded the Women's World Cup being played on artificial turf pitches. A men's World Cup has never before been played on a turf pitch, and it's not likely to occur in 2026.
One possible solution in Canada could result in grass being laid over top of the turf at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver, Rogers Centre in Toronto, and Olympic Stadium in Montreal. Vancouver Whitecaps FC players play home matches on turf, but players are all about the grass.
"I think they will use grass," said Harvey.
"Grass," echoed Parker.
"I think it should have to be grass," said Teibert.
"As player, I love playing on grass. There's nothing better," said a confident McKendry.
It's a long way out until the 2026 World Cup, but there is already a bit of a buzz around a world of possibilities. Footballers of today, and tomorrow have a real shot at playing in a World Cup in North America.
The decision on who will host the 2026 World Cup will be made in May 2020. The 2018 World Cup will be in Russia, and the 2022 in Qatar. As a result, Europe and Asia are excluded from hosting the 2026 World Cup. The 'Three Amigos World Cup' bid is the only current bid and many pundits see it as the lockdown odds on favourite to win.
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