• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

FedEx Field Drops Bid For 2026 World Cup Site

FedEx-Field
Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports

FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, has dropped its bid to be a 2026 World Cup site. 

The Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland announced the Washington, D.C., area and Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium — home of the Baltimore Ravens — will run a joint campaign to host matches instead.

The Washington Commanders play at FedEx Field, which opened in 1997 and cost around $250 million to build. It was one of the older stadiums vying to become a host, but has plenty of experience on soccer’s biggest stage.

  • Two years after FedEx Field opened, it hosted matches for the 1999 women’s World Cup.
  • Three years before FedEx Field’s debut, Washington, D.C., hosted games during the 1994 men’s World Cup at RFK Stadium. Almost 30 years later, the building is set to be demolished.

Twenty-three North American stadiums remain in the running, including 17 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and three in Canada. It’s the first time the tournament will have 48 nations competing and three co-hosts.

FIFA wanted to name selection sites in mid-May but pushed back the announcement for at least one month.

Buzzin’ Baltimore

The merged World Cup campaign comes weeks after the Maryland State legislature passed an initiative committing $1.2 billion to Camden Yards Sports Complex — home of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens

The funding will be split evenly between the teams, giving M&T Bank Stadium $600 million. The site opened in 1998 and cost $220 million to build, and the Ravens have since invested $230 million in upgrades.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzales (47) kicks a field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Northwest Stadium.

RFK Stadium Bill Could Clear Congress in Lame-Duck Session

The legislation would grant D.C. a 99-year lease for the land.
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.

Vandy QB Pavia Sues NCAA for 2 More Years of Eligibility

Diego Pavia beat Alabama. Can he beat the NCAA’s eligibility rules?

Lululemon-Fanatics Collab With NHL Sees ‘Explosive’ First-Day Sales

The premium collection made up 80% of all NHL merch sales.
Feb 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Team King defender Savannah Harmon (15) scores against Team Kloss goaltender Nicole Hensley (29) during the PWHL 3-on-3 Showcase during NHL All-Star Thursday at Scotiabank Arena.

PWHL Will Add Two Teams in Expansion Move

Possible new sites include Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Quebec City.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Jerry Jones Holding the Cowboys Back?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.

Bears Revisiting Another Lakefront Location for New Stadium

The site is about 2.5 miles south of Soldier Field.
November 10, 2024

Rays Future Stadium Deal in Hands of Newly Elected Officials

Newly elected county commission members are expressing heightened skepticism of the club’s agreement.
November 12, 2024

Tropicana Field Repairs Will Cost $55.7 Million and Take a Year

The MLB club will need an alternate home facility for all of the 2025 season.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 1, 2024

Cubs Agree to Alter Wrigley As Part of DOJ Settlement

The second-oldest MLB ballpark will have to make upgrades again.
November 1, 2024

Rays’ Future Uncertain As Tropicana Field Repairs Begin

The Rays still don’t know where they will play in 2025.
November 1, 2024

Inside Cosm’s Plans for a Fourth Location—and Beyond

The downtown Detroit site will add to the city’s sports and entertainment district.
October 31, 2024

Florida-Georgia Game Hits the Road Amid $1.4B Stadium Renovation

EverBank Stadium will have reduced capacity in 2026 and be closed in 2027.