Cities finalized for World Cup bid

NEW YORK — Chicago, the home of the U.S. Soccer Federation, dropped out of the North American bid to host the 2026 World Cup as 23 cities were chosen to be included in documents to be submitted to FIFA on Friday.

Vancouver, B.C., said its bid was rejected because it refused to comply with FIFA’s requirements that include tax waivers and agreements under Swiss law. Six other U.S. cities were cut: Charlotte, N.C.; Glendale, Ari.; Las Vegas; Minneapolis; Salt Lake City; and Tampa, Fla..

Sixty games would be played in the U.S. under the bid plan, including all from the quarterfinals on. Three cities were included from Mexico and Canada, and each of those nations would host 10 games.

Morocco also is bidding, and the 207 other FIFA members are scheduled to make the decision at FIFA Congress in Moscow on June 13. The 2026 World Cup will be the first with a 48-nation field and, if chosen, the North American bid intends to ask FIFA to choose 16 venues.

The chosen U.S. cities are Arlington, Texas; Atlanta; Baltimore; Cincinnati; Denver; East Rutherford, New Jersey; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Houston; Inglewood or Pasadena, California; Kansas City, Missouri; Landover, Maryland; Miami; Nashville, Tennessee; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia; Santa Clara, California; and Seattle.

The Canadian cities are Edmonton, Alberta; Montreal; and Toronto; and Mexico’s are Guadalajara; Mexico City; and Monterrey.