FIFA Sets Year-end Target To Introduce 2026 World Cup Venue

JAKARTA - FIFA has set a target for the last quarter of 2021 as a deadline to officially announce the cities that will host the 2026 World Cup which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In a statement on its official website, the federation of international football associations said they would meet virtually with the hosts to discuss the stadium infrastructure in the 23 candidates for the host city from the end of February 2021.

After that FIFA will hold discussions with city candidates starting April.

"Due to the fluctuating situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, FIFA and the host association aim to start an arena visit in the host city candidates in early July," FIFA added as reported by Antara, Wednesday, January 27.

FIFA officials will visit the stadiums if the safety and health situation in the host countries allows them to do so.

"If a visit to the venue is made, FIFA and the host association aim to have the host cities appointed by the FIFA Council in the last quarter of 2021."

FIFA will select 16 of the 23 arenas that have been submitted. Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to feature 48 teams.