Cities Walked Away: Why Chicago, Minneapolis and Montreal Declined FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Bid

Chicago, Minneapolis and Montreal declined bids to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing financial risk and FIFA demands they couldn’t meet, including heavy public funding requirements and strict eligibility rules. Chicago and Minneapolis had already pulled out in 2018 over taxpayer uncertainty and inflexible conditions around fan events and venue access, while Montreal withdrew in 2021 amid rising cost projections (CAD 103 million and related demands). The decision also foreshadowed higher costs for Canada’s other potential hosts (Toronto and Vancouver), as FIFA maintains tight control over venues and schedules and other cities press ahead with alternative summer plans.