Officials Visit Denver As Mile High City Is Considered For FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches
DENVER (CBS4) - A delegation on Monday is visiting Denver to decide if the Mile High City will possibly host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.
Denver has hosted plenty of major events in the past, like the MLB All-Star Game this past summer. But this could be one of the biggest sports event yet.
The group visiting Denver is looking at the facilities, especially Empower Field at Mile High.
Denver is among 17 cities in the country bidding to host World Cup games. If it is selected, Denver could host as many as six games.
Hoping to impress the governing body on Monday was Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and former U.S. men's soccer goalkeeper Tim Howard, who also played on the Colorado Rapids.
"For me, I've seen international games played here in this city. I played my club ball here. The fans are hungry for it," Howard said. "Denver is the perfect city, one because we've got the infrastructure. The weather is incredible. The people want this. The people would welcome the world's teams, the world's players with open arms."