World Cup 2026 returns to North America; Jacksonville sports leaders consider options

Jacksonville, FL — On the heels of the FIFA vote awarding North America the 2026 World Cup, leaders of the JAXSPORTS Council say they would love to host anything for the World Cup.

The soccer showpiece will return to the U.S. for the first time since 1994 after gaining 134 votes.  The U.S. proposed staging 60 out of the 80 games in 2026.

“We would love to host anything for the World Cup. It’s so exciting that it will be played in the U.S. again”, said Alan Verlander, JAXSPORTS Council CEO.

“There will be many details to follow over the coming months and the leadership in the city will certainly be involved in every step if Jacksonville becomes an option”, Verlander said.

We told you in August 2017 that Jacksonville was one of forty-four cities across three nations that were being solicited for interest in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In October 2017, Jacksonville was eliminated from consideration.  However, cities that didn't make the cut could still be considered for the International Broadcast Center, Team Base Camps, or other major events connected to the tournament.

Jacksonville has previously hosted soccer matches featuring the U.S. Men's and Women's teams in recent years at TIAA Bank Field, formerly known as EverBank Field.

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