Denver not selected to host World Cup games in 2026

Denver (and the Broncos’ stadium) was not selected to host World Cup matches in 2026.

FIFA announced 16 cities from the United States, Mexico and Canada that will co-host 2026 World Cup matches on Thursday evening.

Denver was a finalist to host World Cup matches but was not selected. Had the city won its bid, the Denver Broncos would have been set to host games at their stadium, Empower Field at Mile High. (Of course, new owner Rob Walton might plan to build a brand new stadium.)

Missing out on World Cup matches is unfortunate for the city, but Denver will undoubtedly host other international soccer games in the coming years.

The Broncos hosted four Concacaf Nations League games at their stadium last summer, including the U.S. men’s national team’s 3-2 win over Mexico in the Nation’s League final. The team’s stadium has also hosted Concacaf Gold Cup games and friendly matches in the past in the well.

The U.S. cities that were selected to host World Cup games in 2026 are Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and New York/New Jersey.

Mexico will host games in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City; Canada will host games in Vancouver and Toronto.

The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar this summer.

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