Edmonton has ‘the best stadium in the country’

Playing host to Women’s World Cup back in 2015 was a huge success

EDMONTON—Edmonton is one of three Canadian cities being considered to host games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the mayor warned soccer fans in the city not to get too excited. Edmonton mayor Don Iveson said Wednesday he was pleased Canada will play host, but noted, “This doesn’t mean that for sure we’re going to have soccer here in 2026.”

The bid included 23 cities across the continent as possible hosts for games, however only 16 will receive the honour.

But Iveson remained optimistic that Edmonton would host some of the 10 matches planned for Canada.

“We know that we have the best stadium in the country for hosting soccer,” he said, noting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 was a huge hit.

“That was just a fantastic experience for our city and we know that FIFA remembers that,” he said.

The city has been looking at upgrades to the roughly 56,000 seater Commonwealth Stadium where games will potentially be played and Iveson said he hopes to get some provincial support for the upgrades, which he said are needed regardless of the World Cup.

He also said there could upwards of $170 million of economic impact in the city should Edmonton get some games.

“That’s a huge opportunity,” he said. “But it comes at a cost.”

Stadium upgrades and security costs are typically the big price tags for massive sport events. Iveson hopes the province will contribute some money toward the endeavour.

Roger Jevne, bid advisory committee chair and branch manager of recreational facilities, spoke to the condition of the stadium.

“The stadium will be 50 years old, so we already have some life cycle maintenance planned,” he said. “Mechanical, electrical, structural stuff.”