Minneapolis (Oct. 4, 2017) – Sports Minneapolis, Powered by Meet Minneapolis, is proud to announce that Minneapolis has advanced into the next round of review for hosting 2026 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup™. Forty four cities representing 49 stadiums submitted information to the United Bid Committee of Canada, Mexico and the United States for consideration. Now 32 potential host cities, including four cities in Canada, three in Mexico and 25 cities in the United States will advance to the next stage of the bid process.

“Sports Minneapolis is thrilled to be moving forward in the 2026 FIFA World Cup bid process,” expressed Melvin Tennant, executive director, Sports Minneapolis and president & CEO, Meet Minneapolis. “The abundance of sporting events already finding a home here demonstrates our capabilities and growth as a city. We look forward to this new opportunity to illustrate the ways in which Minneapolis is a destination on a global stage.”

The news of this advancement comes as Minneapolis continues to demonstrate its value as a premiere destination in both the national and international sporting world, with events such as the Summer X Games, Super Bowl LII and the 2019 NCAA Men’s Finals landing in the city.

“U.S. Bank Stadium is excited to move through this next step in the selection process in becoming a potential host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Patrick Talty, SMG General Manager at U.S. Bank Stadium. “The World Cup would provide the opportunity to showcase U.S. Bank Stadium and the state of Minnesota as a premier venue for world-class events.”

“Minneapolis being named to the shortlist of locations to host World Cup matches in 2026 is tremendously exciting,” said Dr. William McGuire, Minnesota United FC managing partner. “The first MLS season for Minnesota United has clearly demonstrated the tremendous passion and support for soccer by the wonderful fans throughout the area, state and region. Our diverse and vibrant community that fosters an ever-growing passion for the game, coupled with all of the features that make this one of the greatest place to live and visit in America, leave us confident that the Twin Cities would be an unparalleled location and showcase for the world’s greatest sporting event.”

Request for proposals are due early January 2018 and will be submitted to the tri-nation United Bid Committee. United will include 20-25 venues in its final submission to FIFA in March, with a decision from FIFA regarding the international host in June. Full details can be found in the press release from the United Bid Committee.

ABOUT SPORTS MINNEAPOLIS
Sports Minneapolis is focused on recruiting, enhancing and producing sporting events in the Minneapolis area for the benefit of our community. In addition to generating significant estimated economic impact, amateur and professional sports events can help connect the community through sport, fostering health and wellness.

Minneapolis is on a winning streak in securing major sports events over the last several years, including Super Bowl LII in 2018, the X Games in 2017 and 2018 and the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2019, among others. Sports Minneapolis has played a major role in bringing these events to Minneapolis, along with events like Northern Lights Junior Volleyball Qualifier and many other professional, collegiate and amateur sporting events.

For more information, visit www.sportsminneapolis.org.