Canadian government to support World Cup bid

TORONTO — The federal government officially threw its support behind the North American bid for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, with the promise of up to $5 million in immediate help should the unified bid win.

Canada, Mexico and the U.S. are up against Morocco to host the men’s soccer showcase. Their bid books go to FIFA at the end of the week, with a decision to be made June 13 at the FIFA congress. Tuesday’s announcement at BMO Field was the latest in a string of news events designed to show the bid is on track.

Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Edmonton, identified as potential Canadian candidate cities, have already endorsed the bid. The feds joined them Tuesday.

“It’s good for our athletes, it’s good for our communities, our economy, our reputation as an international sport leader,” said Kirsty Duncan, minister of science and minister of sport and persons with disabilities. “We are behind this bid.”

The unified bid plan calls for 10 matches in each of Canada and Mexico with 60 of the 80 games in the new expanded 48-team tournament format to be held in the U.S.

Peter Montopoli, general secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association, noted Canada has hosted every FIFA world championship save the men’s World Cup.

Should the bid win, Canada would be the only country to have hosted them all.

“So in saying that, it is our time,” Montopoli added.