“It’s a Shame…It’s a Big Shame.”
Kamloops Youth Soccer Association Executive Director Keith Liddiard is thrilled Canada will get a piece of the 2026 World Cup based on Wednesday morning’s announcement, but there is one aspect he’s unhappy about.
Vancouver will not host any of the 10 games coming to our Country. It will be Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton instead after the BC Provincial Government pulled it’s support for the bid back in March citing a concern for taxpayers.
“It’s a shame, it’s a big shame,” Liddiard told NL Sports.
“The influence it would have on the province would be huge. The event would be a sellout… so that’s very disappointing.”
Liddiard admits it is a massive event for Canada to be a part of.
“It’s huge… huge in so many ways to influence the game. 2026 is a great year to host. Generally an event like this sees more kids take up the sport.”
Canada would get an automatic berth into the tournament as a co-host. The men’s program hasn’t appeared in a World Cup of soccer since 1986.
the joint United 2026 bid defeated Morocco’s entry by a margin of 134-65 by FIFA Federation members.
This year’s World Cup begins in Russia Thursday morning.