Brian Sandalow and Dan Mihalopoulos of Chicago Sun Times reported that Chicago has withdrawn as a possible hosting venue in the US for World Cup 2026.
The reason behind this is that FIFA failed to provide assurance that Chicago taxpayers will not be affected if their hometown would be selected as a host city, according to Mayor Rahm Emanuel spokesperson, Matt McGrath.
The office of the mayor expressed concerns stating, “FIFA could not provide a basic level of certainty on some major unknowns that put our city and taxpayers at risk.†McGrath also added that the bid “wasn’t in Chicago’s best interests,†as FIFA is rigid and unwilling to negotiate terms.
Located in the Near South Side of Chicago, Solder Field is included in the list of 32 sites, arenas, and stadiums that compete to be part of the bid for the future World Cup tournament. The said list includes sites in Canada and Mexico as well.
Prior to Chicago’s withdrawal, Vancouver also announced its withdrawal as part of the North American bid. The city hesitated due to “huge and unpredictable costs,†that British Columbians may be at risk of shouldering.
The announcement of 2026 FIFA World Cup host selection will happen on June 13 at FIFA Congress in Moscow.