16 Comments

Glad to see you think Houston is getting in. People here seem to be either cautiously optimistic or defeatist because of the “proximity” to Dallas and the idea that it’s one or the other. I’ve always felt good about Houston’s chances and think people here that don’t kind of search for reasons to justify their negative views.

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Seeing some of these cities makes me really concerned regarding the temperatures at game times. USA 94 had an abundance of games played in ridiculously hot conditions under scorching sun in order to accommodate a European television schedule. Is there any sense of the television scheduling yet? Just curious if they’re taking player welfare into consideration this time around or if this is just about dollars… maybe i just answered my own question.

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I read some tweet this week that the temps in major US cities (central and east coast) surpassed Qatar temp during the WC final qualifying games. So they moved the WC from summer to winter to accomodate the hot weather in summer, but youre right that most US cities are just as hot during the WC window. Petition to play all games in southern california?

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If it stays at 10 -- will be interesting to see who has the best sources: Grant Wahl or NBC Sports. NBC sports says Houston/Kansas City miss out in favor of Boston and Philly. Otherwise your lists are the same. I'm betting on Grant Wahl -- but may be only because I live near Houston. I mean what the heck do I know?

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Boston instead of Nashville feels like a huge surprise.

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I still wished La Vegas had gotten games, bummer they are not in contention.

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Seattle is a lock, they wouldn’t be planning celebration parties if they didn’t already know they’re in.

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I still find it ridiculous that Chicago, the home of US Soccer, is not in the running! Soldier Field is an excellent venue, along with all the other obvious benefits of a major city.

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I am a member of the Baltimore (now joint w/ DC) bid, so I'm not the least bit neutral. But I'm super hopeful, and wondering whether folks are underweighting the importance of the site visits. Ours was top notch. Anyway, fingers crossed and planning on several Natty Boh's tomorrow night, hopefully in celebration!

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Yes, I know it’s the World Cup. Yes, I know it probably won’t be back in North America again in my lifetime. But when the closest site to me on Grant’s list is Toronto (a 3 1/2 hour drive), tickets will likely be +$200, and hotels will cost around the same, it sure looks like I’m not going unless my number comes in.

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Grant, thanks as always for these insights. I will say that Kansas City and Nashville being added to the list are interesting, as these would represent the two U.S. Host City bids that have the least number of direct international flights to that city (apart from Canada and Mexico) - Nashville with 1 route via British Airways and Kansas City no routes. Wondering how that can affect host city chances (Edmonton and Monterrey would be in the same conversation too).

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Nashville should be on the 10. What a great city.

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Grant, was Phoenix ever on the long list? Did it even submit a bid?

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Looking forward to 2026 and seeing WC games in Seattle!

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In Philly they are pulling out all the stops to have a very public, festive announcement event in Love Park near City Hall. Hope those folks don’t all go home disappointed.

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A festive viewing party for the FIFA 2026 World Cup host cities announcement was publicized last week here in Kansas City too, and they've been promoting it across local media outlets here all week. To be held at our KC Live event space in downtown KC and remarks made by the executive bid committee, Mayor Lucas and the Lt. Governor of MO. I've seen similar watch parties being promoted in NJ/NY, DC, Philly (as you said) and Dallas too. Interesting...

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