MMPhoto21/Depositphotos
Phoenix stays outside the schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has drawn crowds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but Phoenix has no matches on the tournament schedule for its expanded format.
The Valley once pursued host status, then left the bidding process because FIFA’s financial requirements outweighed projected economic benefits for the region after municipal and tourism review in Arizona.
toxawww/Depositphotos
The choice started in 2017
Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority leaders tied the decision to 2017, when local municipalities and tourism partners examined whether Phoenix should keep seeking matches under FIFA’s formal process.
Tom Sadler, the authority’s president and CEO, described a lengthy review that included a host-community conference and several formal steps before Arizona exited consideration for potential tournament matches.
Depositphotos
The funding model drew concern
Sadler argued the hosting model did not fit the community because the required commitment appeared larger than the tourism return Arizona might receive from matches and related visitors…