Orlando one step closer to becoming 2026 World Cup host city

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando has moved one step closer to becoming a host city for one of the biggest sporting events in world.

The United Bid Committee announced Wednesday that they have narrowed down North America to 32 potential host cities for the 2026 World Cup. 

These 32 cities include four in Canada, three in Mexico and 25 in the United States. 

The 25 U.S. cities include three from Florida, as Orlando, Miami and Tampa are still in contention to become World Cup hosts. Jacksonville was not selected by the United Bid Committee as a potential host city.

The next stage of the bid process will require a representative from Orlando to travel to Houston on Nov. 13. This representative finalize hosting documents and show how their city will integrate the United Bid Committee's strategy and vision. 

The Official Host City selection process looks at things like city profile, stadiums, hotels and transportation when determining what city will be fit to host the World Cup. They don't just look at logistics; the committee also takes into account the city's contribution to the sport's development. 

The FIFA World Cup will select at least 12 cities as venues for the games. Canada, the U.S. and Mexico have hosted 13 FIFA World Cups in the past, which have all set attendance records.