Saturday 30 May 2020, 18:30

Candidate Host City: Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a vibrant destination known for its major league sports and world-class arts and culture, a tapestry of neighborhoods and experiences that provide an “urban heartland” backdrop for all special events. The city also boasts a thriving range of large and small businesses, sports, arts, and cultural attractions and a growing international population. Its emerging start up scene attracts national investors and entrepreneurs, and its renaissance of urban development across the region includes a growing population rooted among millennials, especially in Cincinnati’s urban core.

Cincinnati is the bridge to most of the United States, with more than 60 per cent of the country’s population within a one-hour flight or a day’s drive. Cincinnati is a pro-sports town with a history of strong support for the Cincinnati Reds (MLB) and Cincinnati Bengals (NFL). FC Cincinnati of Major League Soccer (MLS) has begun to establish itself as well. Cincinnati United Soccer Club (CUP), the largest youth football club in the region, is a tremendous leader of football at all participation and skill levels in the Greater Cincinnati area, combining four of the area’s top, most recognized clubs into one exceptional program. The club currently has 3,000 players in their competitive programs. CUP is the largest competitive football club in the state of Ohio with more than 5,000 parent volunteers giving 4 to 8 hours per season to the club each.

Cincinnati United Soccer Club also hosts multiple events each year, ranging from the high-level Winter College showcases for girls and boys, to elite regional level tournaments. Ohio South Youth Soccer Association is a national state association member of U.S. Soccer and member of U.S. Youth Soccer. Ohio South has football options for everyone, including recreational and competitive football, as well as Soccer in America for inner-city areas and TOPSoccer for the developmentally challenged. In addition to football leagues, Ohio South Youth Soccer offers many player camps, coaching License Education Courses and the US Youth Soccer Ohio South Olympic Development Program. With a conveniently located stadium and organized means of transporting people, logistically Cincinnati is prepared to make the FIFA World Cup 2026™ a fantastic viewing experience for those who attend the games, as well as those who stay in the city and attend the FIFA Fan Fest™.