ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando is aiming to host one of the biggest sports events in the world in the next few years.
- Orlando vying to host 2026 FIFA World Cup games
- Camping World Stadium to undergo $260M in upgrades
- The City Beautiful last hosted World Cup games in 1994
The U.S., Mexico, and Canada are jointly hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Orlando is one of about two dozen U.S. cities FIFA is considering to be host cities.
Greater Orlando Sports Commissions President and CEO Jason Siegel thinks The City Beautiful has a good chance to land the games in part because of all the unique experiences Central Florida has to offer.
"Not only the athletes, but the fans are going to have an incredibly positive experience," Siegel said. "There's so much for them to do when they come to Orlando. And internationally, I think it's important for them to know they're already having these positive experiences, and that has to count."
It's launched a website, Orlando2026.com, to promote Orlando's participation in the games.
Camping World Stadium underwent a more than $200 million upgrade just a few years ago. And with another $60 million in upgrades planned for the stadium, Orlando leaders say it will be even more ready for World Cup games.
Siegel says he and a team of Orlando leaders will head to Dallas in mid-March to meet with FIFA and find out more about what it is looking for in a host city.
FIFA is expected to select several U.S. host cities by early next year.
Orlando previously hosted World Cup games at the Citrus Bowl in 1994.