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The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is less than three years away — and the continent’s most expensive stadium could lose the chance to host any games for soccer’s biggest event.
Stan Kroenke, the multisport owner who built SoFi Stadium at a $5 billion-plus price tag for his Los Angeles Rams, is reportedly at odds with FIFA over the financial details of hosting World Cup matches at the venue.
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment is unhappy that host venues have been unable to recoup upfront payments by selling sponsorships, tickets, and hospitality, according to The Athletic. FIFA has projected that ticket and hospitality sales could surpass $3 billion in this World Cup cycle.
Other World Cup host cities have also reportedly been concerned with the pace of FIFA’s preparations for the 2026 event. Now, KSE could pull SoFi Stadium out of hosting altogether if terms aren’t renegotiated.
Battle For The Final
Los Angeles was originally seen as one of the frontrunners to land the 2026 World Cup Final, but SoFi Stadium’s pitch size and overall capacity brought the idea’s viability into question last year.
On Sunday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the New York Jets-Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium, which is also vying to host the final match with New York’s MetLife Stadium. “We’re trying every way in the world we can to have the final game here,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said.
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