TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - FIFA has announced that a combined bid from Mexico, Canada and the United States won the hosting rights for the World Cup in 2026.
FIFA announced the expected 48 team tournament will hold 80 matches across three countries, including three in our area: Orlando, Miami and Atlanta.
With the World Cup being played so close to home, many Tallahassee residents say this will not only improve the attraction to the game of soccer but also improve the economy as well.
"All of these folks are going to feel the added impact because there's going to be more eyes on the sport, there's going to more excitement around it and we are going to do everything we can of building the culture here locally because everything starts local," said Chris Petley, President of Tallahassee Soccer Club.
The first World Cup match of 2018 is Thursday at 11 a.m. featuring Russia and Saudi Arabia.
