Denis Coderre wants World Cup in Montreal in 2026
Mayor also says major international soccer event in the works for Montreal in 2017
If Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre has his way, soccer’s World Cup tournament will come to the city in 2026.
Coderre said he supports the Canadian Soccer Association’s goal of having Canada host the international tournament in 2026, or possibly co-host it alongside five cities from the eastern United States.
Brazil is currently hosting the men's World Cup, with Russia and Qatar scheduled to host the tournament in 2018 and 2022, respectively.
Canada plays host to the women's World Cup next year.
A 2026 bid for the men's World Cup would probably have to be filed around 2018.
Coderre pointed to soccer’s popularity in Montreal, which is home to Major League Soccer’s Montreal Impact.
He said the city would "spearhead" efforts to bring the tournament to Canada in 2026.
“Montreal would be an amazing capital of the World Cup,” Coderre said.
Montreal is also being considered for the MLS all-star game in 2017, for the city’s 375th anniversary.