Chicago opts out of hosting 2026 World Cup despite past role

Chicago will not host games for the 2026 World Cup, having withdrawn from consideration in March 2018.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.

• 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Chicago is conspicuously absent from this World Cup. What gives?