Edmonton looks to join North America’s World Cup bid

Edmonton will put its EDMONTON name forward to join a joint bid by several North American cities to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, city councillors decided Tuesday.

The games have the potential to bring in an estimated US$170 million in economic impact, according to a report to a committee meeting last week.

The estimated cost for a host city ranges from $35 million to $55 million, according to Canada Soccer.

“There are a few more details to be worked out before everything is finalized,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “But absolutely ... we’re putting our hand up and saying we would love to see the World Cup here in 2026.” The 2026 FIFA Games would be staged in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, spanning up to six time zones.

Should the North American bid be successful, Edmonton will work with Canada Soccer, other Canadian host cities and provincial and federal governments to advance the bid.

Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are the other Canadian cities involved, out of 31 cities. Not all would actually host games.

“First we need to get in the bid, then North America needs to win the bid and then there will be decisions which cities will host games,” said Roger Jevne, Edmonton’s branch manager for community and recreation facilities.

North America must submit its bid by March 16. FIFA will make a decision in June.

City councillors’ concerns Tuesday included:

limited revenue opportunities for host cities; high security costs; Edmonton might only be a team base camp, which means it would not get the exposure to justify costs;

artificial turf at Commonwealth Stadium and training sites must be replaced with natural grass, and it is unclear who will pay for it;

the bid is submitted in U.S. dollars, which fluctuates and can impact costs.

The cost to the city will depend on how many games are played in Edmonton and on what support it would get from the provincial and federal governments, Iveson said.

If either the provincial or federal governments, or FIFA, defrays some of the costs, then it pays off in the long run, he said.

“I think we’ll be in a good position to have a number of potentially significant matches here, which would be phenomenal for the opportunity to bring in tourism,” he said.

Morocco is the only other competitor bidding on the 2026 World Cup.