Subject: CFG
Montréal Named Candidate Host City under United 2026 Bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cuptm
Montréal has been named as a host city candidate for the 2026 FIFA World Cuptm that would take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States
MONTRÉAL, March 16, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament (Ahuntsic?Cartierville), announced that Montréal is a candidate to be a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cuptm.
On March 13 in Toronto, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, announced that the Government of Canada is supporting-in-principle the United 2026 bid to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cuptm in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Held every four years, the FIFA World Cuptm is the most prestigious tournament of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Co-hosting this international event, watched by billions of people worldwide, would provide considerable sport, social, community, cultural and economic benefits, as well as showcase Canada around the world.
While Canada has never hosted the FIFA World Cuptm for men, it has successfully hosted other FIFA competitions at different levels, including the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015tm. This record-setting tournament was held in six cities and provinces from coast to coast across the country. The 1.35 million spectators who attended the newly expanded 24-team competition were responsible for an economic impact of nearly half a billion dollars.
The soccer governing bodies for Canada, Mexico and the United States jointly announced on April 10, 2017, that they would pursue a bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cuptm.
The importance of the Canada-United States-Mexico relationship is reflected in our strong diplomatic, cultural, educational and commercial relations. Canada remains committed to strengthening its multi-faceted relationship with its North American friends and allies. The collaboration of our three governments in support of the United Bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cuptm is another example of how much our three countries can achieve when we work together toward common goals.
On June 13, 2018, FIFA will announce if United 2026, Morocco, or neither bidder will host the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.
Quotes
"Hosting major sporting events allows Canadian athletes to compete at home in front of their families, friends and fans. It is also a significant opportunity for Canadians to witness, first-hand, world-class sport competitions. What better place to host the 2026 FIFA World Cuptm than in our diverse cities where every team is a home team!"
?The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
"Montréal is a world-class city and is the perfect venue to host the 2026 FIFA World CupTM. Our metropolis is thriving, and this major event is the perfect occasion to attract the entire world to Quebec and to Canada to create even more cultural, social and economic benefits for our whole society."
?The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament (Ahuntsic?Cartierville)
"On behalf of Canada Soccer, we congratulate the City of Montréal for their inclusion in the Bid Book and thank them for their unwavering support of the United Bid. We would like to thank the Government of Canada for their commitment to the United Bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cuptm, and look forward to working with our Candidate Host Cities and government partners as we continue our efforts to secure the right to host the largest sporting event in the world."
?Steven Reed, President of Canada Soccer and Co-Chair of the United 2026 Bid Committee
"The FIFA World Cuptm is one of the biggest sport events on the planet in both popularity and influence. It is an exceptional international showcase that will help make Montréal a first-class sport city. This platform will allow the city to rally different communities around a single world-renowned event. Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cuptm would mean 30 days of celebrations that would attract people from far and wide, bring important benefits, and strengthen the promotion and practice of sport among Montrealers."
?Rosannie Filato, Montréal City Councillor responsible for community and social development, homelessness, youth, status of women, and sports and recreation
Quick Facts
The three Canadian candidate host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cuptm are Edmonton, Toronto and Montréal.
The FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 and the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014 helped generate $493.6 million in economic activity for Canada.
The Government of Canada is the single largest investor in Canada's sport system, promoting sport participation among all Canadians and providing support for young athletes, their national and multisport organizations, and the hosting of international events so that our athletes can compete with the best.
If the event is awarded to United 2026, the Government of Canada will provide up to $5 million to support continued development of event plans and budgets that will inform future decisions around specific funding for the event.
Associated Links
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
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