Chicago opts out of hosting 2026 World Cup despite past role
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 11:00 AM
Last updated Jun 6, 2026
Chicago will not host games for the 2026 World Cup, having withdrawn from consideration in March 2018. Then-mayor Rahm Emanuel cited concerns over FIFA's demands and potential financial risks to the city. Although Chicago hosted five matches during the 1994 World Cup, it declined to pursue a bid for the upcoming tournament. The U.S. men's national team will still play a friendly against Germany in Chicago on June 6, as part of their preparations for the tournament, which begins on June 12 in Los Angeles.
- •Chicago withdrew from hosting the 2026 World Cup in March 2018.
- •Concerns included financial risks and FIFA's inflexible demands.
- •The U.S. men's national team will play Germany in Chicago on June 6.
- •Chicago previously hosted five games during the 1994 World Cup.
- 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Chicago is conspicuously absent from this World Cup. What gives?
"Chicago took itself out of the running to be a host city for the 2026 World Cup
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