Cincinnati has turned into a soccer city over the last decade, and because of it is on the cusp of being a host city for the 2026 World Cup. Canada, Mexico, and the United States will be hosting the World Cup together, with Canada and Mexico each hosting ten games and the US hosting 60. There are currently 15 cities in the running to be a US host city, and the final ten will be announced on June 16th.
The World Cup is the largest and most watched sporting event in the world. If Cincinnati can secure a bid, that will bring an immense amount of positives to the city. It is estimated that Cincy would bring in $449 million in revenue and provide 3,000 jobs from hosting games. Hosting World Cup games would not only bring in short term tourists, but will also help in the long run. By hosting a game, the city will gain exposure and there is a high probability of tourists coming back for a second visit at a later time.
If the World Cup does come to Cincy, the games will all be played at Paul Brown Stadium. Last week the city approved the $10 million needed for stadium upgrades. This includes putting grass on the field for the World Cup Games. This money from the city shows how committed they are in their quest to be a host city.
Cincinnati is pushing hard to be a host city. A major selling point is the city's proximity to so many other midwestern cities. This proximity will ensure that Paul Brown Stadium will sell out for all games. Along with PBS, Cincinnati has plenty of other state of the art facilities for the teams to train in. Teams will be able to train at the new TQL stadium and FC Cincinnati’s training facility in Milford, as well as the soccer facilities on the campuses of UC, Xavier, and NKU.
As seen by the way the city has embraced FC Cincinnati, there will not be a lack of interest or passion surrounding the soccer matches. Cincinnatians have shown the passion they have for soccer and hosting a World Cup would only amplify that. As June 16th approaches, the city is crossing their fingers hoping they’ve done enough to be a World Cup host city.
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