advertisement

SSN on Facebook SSN on Twitter SSN on YouTube RSS Feed

Politics

Marco Rubio: US, Canada and Mexico Should Host World Cup in 2026

February 26, 2018 - 6:30pm

Florida Republican U.S Sen. Marco Rubio wants the U.S. to pair up with Canada and Mexico to host the world’s premier  soccer tournament come 2026. 

Along with Missouri Republican Roy Blunt and Maryland Democrat Chris Van Hollen, Rubio rounded up more than 40 senators to sign a letter urging President Donald Trump to work with the other two North American nations to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026. 

Senators from both parties signed the letter including Republicans Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee of Utah and John McCain of Arizona and Democrats including Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kamala Harris of California, Chuck Schumer of New York and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. 

“We write to express our support for the United Bid by Canada, Mexico and the United States to jointly host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We believe this effort presents an exceptional opportunity to showcase our nations’ shared passion for soccer and its positive impact in local communities and on the international stage,” the senators wrote. “Millions of Americans play or watch soccer at youth, collegiate, recreational and professional levels today. The sport spans generations, cultures, and languages – connecting fans and athletes with others across the globe who have a common love for the game. Comprising a melting pot of identities, cultures, and races, Americans proudly unite behind their team in the World Cup competition, and enjoy ties to the multiplicity of nationalities that come together for this tournament every four years.

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a total of 48 participating national teams and 80 matches, will be the largest in the history of the competition,” the senators continued. “As one of three host nations, the United States would have the opportunity to deepen the relationship between our citizens and the extended global soccer community, and to further foster the spirit of sportsmanship and inclusivity that defines the sport. It would build on a successful legacy for our three nations, which together have hosted 13 FIFA-sponsored tournaments. Dozens of U.S. cities that we represent have already conveyed their interest in being part of the United Bid effort that will showcase America, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth.

“Through a united World Cup bid, we have the opportunity to promote and celebrate the positive impact soccer has had for millions of Americans,” the senators wrote in conclusion. “We welcome your support for the United Bid to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to North America, and we look forward to working with you to advance this important effort.”

Even with soccer becoming increasingly popular, the last time the US hosted a World Cup was back in the summer of 1994 when Orlando was the only city in Florida where a match was played. 

The World Cup’s economic impact has varied in recent years, adding $15 billion to Brazil’s economy in 2014 but only around $5 billion to South Africa’s when that nation hosted the event earlier in the decade. 

Comments are now closed.

politics
advertisement
advertisement
Live streaming of WBOB Talk Radio, a Sunshine State News Radio Partner.

advertisement