MLS Orlando City SC

Greater Orlando 2026 FIFA World Cup Pursuit Partners Present to FIFA and U.S. Soccer

Published on July 22, 2020 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


ORLANDO, Fla. - The Greater Orlando 2026 FIFA World Cup Pursuit Partners (GO26) - Greater Orlando Sports Commission, City of Orlando, Orange County and Orlando City Soccer Club - presented to officials from FIFA and U.S. Soccer yesterday. The virtual one-on-one presentation was a significant step in the bid process with the final venue selection expected to be announced in 2021.

Orlando is among 17 U.S. cities still in the running to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be jointly hosted across North America by the United States, Canada and Mexico. This will mark the first time in FIFA history that three nations will co-host the World Cup. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, bringing in 48 teams, 80 matches and is projected to exceed $5 billion in economic impact.

"As one of the United States' premier sports destinations, Orlando has consistently proven it can successfully host high-profile events," said City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "No other region can compare to our diversity, entertainment experiences, boundless hospitality and our passion for this global sport. We are thrilled for the opportunity to welcome the world to Orlando again."

"I have fond memories of the 1994 FIFA World Cup where I served as lieutenant with the Orlando Police Department and oversaw stadium security for the Orlando venue," said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. "With Orlando's world-class hospitality and tourism expertise, there is no doubt that our community will deliver unforgettable experiences and history making moments for the participating athletes and hundreds of thousands of visitors that will travel to Orlando from around the globe."

"The FIFA World Cup has been a part of my professional life since 2002 but I have been a fan for my entire life and I've seen first hand the positive impact this event can have on the community," said Alex Leitao, Chief Executive Officer for Orlando City Soccer Club. "There is no better community to welcome the excitement of the beautiful game than the City of Orlando. Our passionate city is committed to growing the game and creating a lasting legacy."

"We were so pleased to have had the opportunity to share our collective vision for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Orlando with our colleagues from FIFA and U.S. Soccer. One can argue that our community has been preparing and planning for this moment and this opportunity for the last 30 years dating back to our pursuit and execution of the 1994 FIFA World Cup," said Jason Siegel, CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. "Our GO26 leadership team is committed to uniting our region in an effort to secure this once-in-a-generation event. We look forward to the next steps in the bid process and to safely welcoming FIFA and U.S. Soccer's leadership teams to Orlando for site visits and venue inspections."

Visit Orlando2026.com for news, updates and to sign up to be notified about upcoming opportunities to support the 2026 Greater Orlando World Cup Bid.

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