5 cities missing out on hosting FIFA World Cup matches in 2026

Some major U.S. cities are getting an economic boost from the World Cup, with places like Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas flooded with thousands of overseas tourists attending matches to cheer on their home countries and packing bars to take in the action on the pitch.  

Economists and tourism experts have said the impact of the event on local economies might not be felt for weeks and is best measured on a city-by-city or match-by-match basis. 

Some hardcore soccer fans in North America, meanwhile, have expressed frustration that local governments where they live were unable or unwilling to host the tournament.  

A number of municipalities chose to pull themselves out of the running, citing costs to taxpayers and strict logistical requirements from FIFA. Others lacked appropriate venues that can hold a tournament of such size and scale.  

Here are five cities that are missing out on World Cup action this year.  

The nation’s capital has been bustling with activity all summer ahead of the Trump administration’s planned America 250 celebrations around July 4.  

Construction crews have been busy erecting extra fencing, setting up stages for musical performances and executing the Department of Interior’s widespread beautification efforts at President Trump’s behest.  

Against this backdrop, it seemed natural to some observers that D.C. would host World Cup matches in 2026.

But unlike many other cities of its size, D.C.’s problem is the lack of a suitable venue.  

Northwest Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders in the Maryland suburbs of D.C., has a well-documented history of giving fans and commuters headaches on NFL game days and poses a number of significant logistical obstacles related to public transportation and convenient lodging.  

Audi Field, home to D.C. United of MLS, has a maximum capacity of 20,000 despite its prime location in the Navy Yard.  

With plans in place to........

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