Bay Area hopes to host World Cup in 2026

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FIFA.com

The Bay Area is vying to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events: World Cup Soccer.

Brandon Saavedra ‘24, Staff Reporter

FIFA World Cup is an international soccer tournament contested by the members of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA).

It is a series of games in which teams compete against each other to qualify for a tournament. 

In the tournament, 32 teams will compete for a title for the host’s nation.

After FIFA was founded in 1904, it tried to arrange an international soccer tournament between nations outside the framework of Switzerland in 1906.

Due to the success of the Olympic soccer tournaments, FIFA started to look at doing its own international tournament outside of the Olympics.

FIFA will then go on to be one of the most entertaining games held.

“Soccer is the most worldwide sport, it’s very easily accessible, and it’s a lot of fun. In some ways it’s more sophisticated, with cooperative team play, moving the ball, and technique,” said Varsity soccer player Ismael Elkarra ’24.

World Languages Department Chair Armando Castillo shared, “Soccer is the most interesting, and strategic sport. The field is different. Fan participation is different. It also has a whole lot of commercials, commercials in almost every game.”

 

Soccer is the most worldwide sport, it’s very easily accessible, and it’s a lot of fun. In some ways it’s more sophisticated, with cooperative team play, moving the ball, and technique.

— Ismael Elkarra ’24

The World Cup 2026 will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Cities such as Toronto, Mexico City, Guadalajara, the San Francisco Bay Area, and so many more will host many of the games of 2026.

In the Bay Area, Levi’s Stadium will host the games of the 2026 World Cup. Castillo said, “I may be excited about it, but I hate Levi’s stadium, so I would probably fly somewhere else to see it.” 

People all over the world are excited for this World Cup and eager to buy the tickets.

 Castillo added, “I would buy tickets to see the World Cup, but I want to see a good game, maybe in Italy or Portugal.” 

The 2026 World Cup will leave an impact on everyone in the world, people are excited, eager, and already cheering for their favorite team. 

There will be 48 teams, 80 matches, one winner, who will take home the coveted Jules Rimet trophy.