The anticipation for the 2026 World Cup intensifies this Thursday, as soccer enthusiasts throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States eagerly await the revelation of the chosen host cities for the 48-team tournament. Four years post-FIFA’s selection of the joint North American bid, the host cities are set to be unveiled, concluding a process veiled in secrecy.

According to FIFA, 22 cities are still in contention this week, with expectations that the United States might secure 10 spots, including Vancouver, Edmonton, and Toronto in the north. In soccer-devoted Mexico, the cities of Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey are strongly anticipated to be selected.

Despite the perceived certainty, uncertainties prevail, and the outcome of Thursday’s announcement in New York City remains unpredictable. Alan Rothenberg, former U.S. Soccer President and current chairman of Playfly Premier Partnerships, noted that while some cities always seemed likely choices, the competition is fierce for the remaining slots. Notable candidates include Los Angeles, with its state-of-the-art $5.5 billion SoFi Stadium, and New York, with the joint bid anchored on MetLife Stadium.

Other contenders, such as former 1994 World Cup host cities Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, Orlando, and Washington, D.C. (whose bid includes Baltimore this year), also vie for inclusion. Rothenberg expressed the excitement surrounding the imminent four-year journey leading up to the games.

Beyond the prestige of hosting, there is a significant economic opportunity for the selected cities. A U.S. Soccer study from 2018 estimated that the tournament could generate over $5 billion in economic activity for North America. Additionally, the event holds the promise of contributing to the continued growth of soccer in the region, building on the success and popularity that followed the 1994 World Cup.

Chris Canetti, president of the Houston World Cup bid committee, emphasized the potential benefits for the sport’s growth. He highlighted Houston’s advantages, such as its size and proximity to Central and South America. However, the uncertainty prevails, as FIFA has not provided significant feedback to boost confidence in the bids.

Dan Hilferty, chair of Philadelphia’s bid, emphasized the transformative impact hosting the World Cup could have on soccer’s status among top sports. He spoke of plans to create a legacy in the city, not only by hosting practice facilities but by solidifying soccer’s place among other major sports.