Shock in Washington DC: FIFA snubs US capital for World Cup 2026 | MLSSoccer.com – MLSsoccer.com

The capital region hosted five World Cup matches in 1994, nine Olympic soccer matches in 1996, six Women’s World Cup matches in 1999 and multiple professional clubs over the decades. A founding MLS market, it served as the US men’s national team’s unofficial home for many years and witnessed three MLS Cup finals, two MLS All-Star Games, one of the old NASL’s “Soccer Bowl” championships and myriad other club and international soccer games of note over the decades. Its venues have been graced by all-time greats like Pele, Johan Cruyff, Roberto Baggio, Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi.

Now it’s probably the biggest snub as the world’s biggest sporting event prepares to return to North America. It’s just the third time in the World Cup’s history that a primary host nation’s capital city would not host games.

“Honestly, I think everyone thought that it was an extremely high probability that D.C. would get it,” said Mark Ein, local investor, sports backer and co-chair of the DC2026 Advisory Board. “The strength of the community, the passion for soccer, the history of soccer, the fan fest on the National Mall, combined with a really good stadium, seemed compelling. But it’s also complicated, right?”

D.C.’s candidacy was badly complicated by the shortcomings of FedEx Field, the Washington Commanders’ unloved NFL venue in suburban Maryland. It has hosted plenty of soccer but sits on the metro area’s periphery and has been poorly maintained over the years, its seating capacity drastically reduced in attempts to regulate ticket demand.

A FIFA site visit in September reportedly gave such low marks to the stadium that D.C. organizers were led to combine their bid with nearby Baltimore’s, where the more highly-rated M&T Bank Stadium was to host matches while World Cup fan activation events took place in the heart of Washington. Dovetailing with massive celebrations planned for the United States’ semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday, on Independence Day, those plans were seen as unique and exciting enough to overcome concerns about the hybrid arrangement.

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