Commonwealth Stadium plays host to Canada vs Mexico World Cup Qualifier in November 2021. Photo: Shane Clausing

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS

Province supporting Edmonton’s bid to host 2026 FIFA World Cup with up to $110M

Mar 29, 2022 | 4:48 PM

Alberta’s capital city hopes to host one of the largest sporting events in the world.

The City of Edmonton is putting its name forward to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Premier Jason Kenney says the provincial government will contribute up to $110.12 million to support Edmonton’s bid.

“Alberta has a history of hosting world-class sporting events that are well attended, fun and safe, so FIFA 2026 would be a natural fit for our province. We’re supporting Edmonton’s bid because it makes sense – there are a multitude of economic and social benefits that will come with hosting the world’s largest soccer celebration.”

Edmonton is no stranger to hosting significant soccer events with the 1996 Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship Canada 2002, the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007, the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Minister of Culture Ron Orr says hosting another event like the FIFA World Cup would do wonders for the city and the province as a whole.

“A successful FIFA bid will showcase Alberta on the world stage as a great place to live, work and visit. We are happy to support the city’s bid and ensure that Albertans across the province can celebrate this event.”

The province will also name a provincial secretariat. If Edmonton’s bid is successful, this official will participate in negotiations of the multi-part agreement, oversee the implementation of the province’s responsibilities, and assist in coordination as necessary.

Last fall, officials with FIFA held venue visits and inspections for several prospective host cities in North America.

The contribution from the Alberta Government is subject to the following conditions:

• Confirmation of federal and municipal funding for the bid
• Acknowledgement and acceptance of the province’s letters of assurance as presented to the City of Edmonton and in response to the FIFA Government Guarantees.
• Confirmation that the City of Edmonton is assured to host at least five games by FIFA, if accepted as a host city, and that at least two of these five games are at the round of 32 or round of 16 knockout stages
• Confirmation that unforeseen security costs will be the responsibility of the city and the federal government
• Allocation of one-third of the seating allocated to the City of Edmonton

It is unclear when FIFA will make its decision regarding the host city for the 2026 World Cup.