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Thursday was either a brilliant or brutal day for some U.S. soccer fans across the country as they learned if their city would be a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 16 host cities were selected with six locations not getting chosen. Here were the reactions to cities learning they were going to be hosts or if they got snubbed.
The reactions from watch parties at cities learning they got the gig are full of excitement, but watching the cities learn they won’t get to host is just as interesting to watch.
U.S. Cites React To Hosting/Not Hosting 2026 World Cup
This list consists of cities that held watch parties and had videos posted from said watch parties. Let’s start out with the video that has been shared the most: Kansas City learning it will be a 2026 World Cup host.
Kansas City
Scenes in Kansas City when they found out the World Cup is coming to their city.
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 17, 2022
I think Kansas City is a little excited to be one of the host cities of the 2026 @FIFAWorldCup. pic.twitter.com/uftBADaeGS
— Emily Hood (@emilyreneehood) June 16, 2022
The fans in KC jubilantly celebrated the news. Meanwhile those in its rival city Denver looked on in despair.
Denver
Well, maybe another year. @FIFAWorldCup did not pick Denver for #FIFAWorldCup in 2026.
Committee saying factors like high elevation could have been part of the reason we didn’t get the winning ticket.Keep on dreaming soccer folks, one year!! @CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/4QRuHofUHU
— Spencer Wilson (@Spencer_WNews) June 16, 2022
Nothing like Becky G breaking the news to shatter your heart into 1000 different pieces. Denver wasn’t the only city that held a watch party and didn’t win its bid. Here were the reactions from some other cities that didn’t get to be a host.
Washington D.C.
Absolute shock in the room as DC is passed over as a host city. A World Cup without matches in the national capital seems unthinkable, but here we are. pic.twitter.com/rvvwy3ByJM
— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) June 16, 2022
Orlando
Here’s the reaction as Orlando is left out of the FIFA World Cup host sites pic.twitter.com/wMTxSQYies
— Daren Stoltzfus WESH (@DarenStoltzfus) June 16, 2022
Cincinnati
The moment it became official. Cincinnati will NOT host the #FIFAWorldCup @Local12 pic.twitter.com/f7GFEzCRw3
— Chris Renkel (@Chris_Renkel) June 16, 2022
Let’s end this article on a high note and see some more happy reactions from fans.
Miami
Welcome to Miami-Dade, @FIFAWorldCup!
Thanks to our partners –– especially @HardRockStadium and @MiamiandBeaches –– who worked tirelessly with us to secure this bid. Together, we are ready to give soccer fans from around the world a truly memorable experience.See you in 2026! pic.twitter.com/fJ8zOVWrMO
— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) June 16, 2022
WE DID IT MIAMI!! WORLD CUP 2026 IS COMING TO OUR CITY!! #miami2026 pic.twitter.com/zmAMWGYDKX
— Christopher Corey (@ChrisBCorey) June 16, 2022
Houston
The moment Houston was announced as a host city for the 2026 @FIFAWorldCup@TheStrikerTexas #WC2026 pic.twitter.com/mUrvj99oBL
— Victor Araiza (@victoraraiza) June 16, 2022
Seattle
It’s official! Seattle will be a host city for the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026! pic.twitter.com/quM9nOZXjt
— James Woollard (@BritVoxUS) June 16, 2022
Philadelphia
PHILLY TO HOST 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP!
PHILLY TENDRÁ JUEGOS EN EL MUNDIAL 2026 !Here’s the reaction from the watch party when the announcement was made! // Aquí la reacción ante la noticia @NBCPhiladelphia @Telemundo62 pic.twitter.com/5l7bP1SPDX
— Miguel Martinez-Valle (@MiguelMValle) June 16, 2022
Philly is now a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This video says it all! #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/kBQwD5gvJl
— Kerri Corrado (@KerriCorrado) June 16, 2022
Dallas
The reaction to Dallas being selected as a site for World Cup 2026. How many and the types of games will be determined in the future by FIFA. pic.twitter.com/3zl4b7WKtK
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) June 16, 2022
New York/New Jersey
Sound on! Members of youth soccer teams from New Jersey and Long Island react to the announcement that New Jersey and New York will host the 2026 World Cup. ⚽️ The teams joined a watch party held at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. pic.twitter.com/9fPNNLyxxR
— njdotcom (@njdotcom) June 16, 2022
