This was an exciting sports week for me. The NFL is plugging along, and the Tyreek Hill drama continues with it. None of that was the exciting part for me. The 3 things on my mind this week are the Warriors closing out the Celtics in 6 (as I predicted), the Avs Stanley Cup final starting with a bang, and the World Cup news. An Avs title will move to the front of the list, but for now the World Cup has most of my attention. The 2022 field is complete, and competition starts in November in Qatar.
I will be getting into the World Cup and format in more detail later in the year as we near the 2022 tournament, and y’all decide if that is good or bad. For the time being and sake of this topic I will add a few pieces of high level context on the event:
My greatest excitement for this World Cup is Team USA’s inclusion.
The truly exciting World Cup news of the week revolves around the 2026 campaign, which will happen in North America. The US joined forces with Canada and Mexico to form the greatest alliance since NAFTA, and won the bid to jointly host the 2026 World Cup. This is a cool fact in that it is a first. After the bid award the next step was naming venues for the 80 matches. Countless venues across all 3 countries threw their names in the hat. The vast majority of the finalist were NFL stadiums as they profile as the largest spaces. Most big European clubs have stadiums that hold 60K+. That was FIFA’s criteria.
FIFA announced the 16 host cities, and that list includes Kansas City. I am beyond elated in this fact. Hosting a Super Bowl is the only thing that would be a bigger win. The city and the CHIEFS beat out Orlando, Denver, Nashville, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Edmonton for this honor. Arrowhead has the most soul and character of the list, but some of those cities bring a draw and ease of travel that KC lacks. Now it’s time to show the world that KC is not flyover country.
The US, Canada and Mexico winning bid is awesome. First reason is it being our home. Home field is always great. However, I find the win awesome for a more socially responsible reason. I believe there is a list of 10-12 nations max that have any business hosting things like the Olympics. The IOC and FIFA work to spread the hosting (and bribe paying) love around the world. It is cool when places like Brazil and Qatar get into the mix, but the North American setup will not mortgage any financial futures or nation’s souls to host. The best part of the hosting venues is that they all exist and could host the matches tomorrow. This doesn’t mean changes are not happening, but they will not include governments deciding to fund stadium construction at the loss of new roads or food infrastructure.
The 2026 World Cup also features an expansion of the field to 48 nations. We will be crawling with visitors from all over the world for a month. Places like New York and LA get to deliver on expectations, and places like KC get to blow them away. Another exciting part of this whole process is another topic I love: stadiums and cities. Let’s geek out a bit on those.
Geography opinion is probably a better heading. I have spent time in 20 of the 23 finalists, and 13 of the 16 host cities. I have also attended games in about a third of the stadiums. Before we get into the host cities I do want to address the finalists that missed the cut. Edmonton was never happening. That place is an absolute bear to get to, there is not a lot going on, and the stadium is small. Baltimore and Cincinnati most likely lost due to the lack of attraction to the cities and their stadiums. I enjoy both cities, but they are not destinations. Additionally, they do not boast historical stadiums. Orlando brings an ease of travel and affinity for hosting masses. My belief is there and Vegas are the only real choices for large conventions. Nashville and Denver have major cache as destinations.
Canada and Mexico were always getting 2-3 spots, which left the US with 10-11. We ended up with 11, and I consider 7 slam dunks. Those are Dallas, NY, LA, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta and Houston. All of these cities have hosted Super Bowls. I believe the 6 that missed battled for the 4 spots taken by KC, Seattle, Boston and Philly. Let’s look at the hosts.
This is the 46K seat home of Chivas de la Guadalajara, which is one of the biggest clubs in Mexico’s country Liga MX. This is one of 3 cities I have not been.
Google this place and it’s inclusion is obvious. The views of the mountains from the stand are world renown. I have not been here either, but it has been on my to-do list for probably 5 years. This is a new stadium that opened in 2015 and seats 51K.
This is Mexico’s crown jewel holding over 83K fans. Azteca opened in 1966 and recently renovated in 2019. It is home to the Mexico National Team as well as Club America and Cruz Azul. The latter two are huge and successful Liga MX clubs. I have not been to Azteca or Mexico City, but it is firmly on my bucket list.
I have spent time in Vancouver and it is an excellent inclusion to the list. My favorite part of Vancouver is the Asian seafood dishes. About 8 years ago I discovered my chopstick skills are up to the task of roe covered egg whites. The Pacific Northwest is a huge task for travel, but well worth the trip. BC Place is home to the Canada National Team and the MLS Vancouver Whitecaps. It opened in 1983 and seats 54K. Last renovation was in 2015 just before it hosted the Women’s World Cup final.
Toronto is one of my favorite places to visit. This major metropolitan area is a diverse culinary masterpiece. It is home to a large Chinese community and also the biggest Jamaican community outside of the country itself. My favorite way to get to Toronto is via Porter Airlines from Chicago Midway. The flights lands at downtown Billy Bishop Airport, and a moving walkway gets you to the city center bus. My favorite spot in Toronto is the Steam Whistle Brewery. It my second favorite brewery tour right behind Lakefront in Milwaukee.
BMO Field is the home to Toronto FC and CFL Argonauts. This is the smallest stadium of the list holding up to 40K. It opened in 2007, so remains relatively new. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment owns the place, and I expect them to get aggressive. I view this place as the best bet for a new stadium prior to 2026. Furthermore, I think they take this opportunity to build a 70K+ seat, NFL ready stadium. That should be enough to get them an NFL game a season (if not a team), and also to become home of the National Team. Canada has a strong east vs west rivalry when it comes to influence over the country. This will add fuel to that fire.
This is one of the big dogs of stadiums with 82K+ seats, and it is in the city that never sleeps. New York will be a favorite destination of travelers, and will not disappoint. We should expect this stadium to host important matches. MetLife opened in 2010 and has hosted Super Bowl XLVIII and countless other things.
Another American gem of a stadium, and recent Super Bowl host. The is also another major destination that will see big crowds and important matches. SoFi opened in 2020, seats over 70K, and is home to a couple NFL teams. In my mind this is the Rams, not Chargers hosting. I assume Stan Kroenke made sure Dean Spanos was out of town when this presentation occurred.
Jerry World is incredible. This is one of the coolest buildings, not stadiums, buildings I have seen. Cowboy Stadium is a marvel of sheer size and spectacle. I have seen a couple games and pretty much watched them on the big screen over the field. It is an attention magnet. The place opened in 2009, hosted Super Bowl XLV, holds 80K, but can expand to 105K. This is where I would play the final if it were my call. It’s not my call, but I will make a prediction.
I have seen 2 games, but my favorite experience goes to the walking tour. Nine years ago I was in DFW with the baseball group, and we took the tour. It was $17 and we essentially got free reign of the stadium. Every time we approached stadium personnel we expected it to be the end of the tour. In reality it was someone telling us to get closer. Before it was all said and done we entered both locker rooms, the cheerleader locker room, and the press conference area. The best part was buying a football and playing touch on the field. We were kicking field goals and running plays. Say what you will about Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, but that place rocks.
San Francisco is a major tourist destination for great reason. The tourist spots are all top notch and the experience in the city is amazing. San Fran’s major drawback is that it’s expensive and somewhat difficult to navigate. There are not a ton of chain hotels, so boutique is where I have always stayed. Rooms are typically smaller than normal, but it’s worth it to be there (for me at least). Levi’s is another new stadium. It opened in 2014, hosted Super Bowl L, and holds 72K fans.
Hard Rock holds a special place in my heart. I have not been there, but the CHIEFS played a game there on a February evening in 2020. That game was Super Bowl LIV and they won!! In other breaking news Miami is a while you’re young destination, and should bring the party when hosting matches. The stadium opened in 1983, renovated in 2015, and holds about 65K. Miami isn’t my favorite city, but it is undeniably fun.
I tell people I have lived in 5.5 States. My hometown is and always will be Hays, KS. I lived a summer in Temecula, CA, spent 3 years in Denver right after college, lived 6 months in Walla Walla, WA, and now have almost 14 years in Milwaukee. The half comes from my time in Atlanta in early 2010. I essentially commuted to Atlanta for the 3 months before my wedding. A typical week was the Monday 5:30 am Air Tran (40 on the ground for that airline and the business class upgrades for A List) flight to ATL, a week in the Home Depot merchandising center, and flight home Friday at 7 pm. Why don’t I count that as a residence? I never received mail.
Atlanta is LA on the East Coast: massive, influential, and a bit of a pain. I love it. I have not been to Benz, but understand it as the posh height of luxury. It opened in 2017, holds 71K, and hosted Super Bowl LIII.
NRG is the last of the Super Bowl host sites on the final list. I have not been to a game there, but have been to Houston. This city is my least favorite of the big ones in Texas. It’s a big, spread out and zoned weird. My biggest gripe is the weather majority of the year. There are three weather profiles for most:
Many disagree with me about the venue. Probably better to get their Houston review than mine. NRG opened in 2002, seats 72K, and hosted Super Bowl LI.
First note for the sake of authenticity: this place is call the Linc by locals, and I follow that directive. I love this stadium if for no other reason than the availability of Philly Cheesesteaks. Philly has a great sports complex area with expansive parking lots, so tailgating actually happens there. It is not on the KC or Green Bay level, but it’s good. That atmosphere is a dying breed, and it love seeing East Coast support. Philly the city is home to some of America’s most important history as the almost capital of the country. A very cool place to visit. The Linc opened in 2003, renovated in 2014, seats 67K, and is quite welcoming if you are nice.
Boston is a great sports, seafood and US history spot. Their pubs serve the best pints of Guinness, and the turnbuckles (roundabouts, traffic circles, etc.) weed out the weak drivers. I don’t picture myself a Northeaster, but I can fit in. My appreciation for the cut throat pace is deep. I have not been to a game at Gillette, but the atmosphere is legendary. It’s not the house that Brady built as it opened in 2002. However, I think it is fair to say he raised the home value in the neighborhood, so he just as well built it. Renovations occurred in 2015 and it seats 66K. I mentioned the 7 Super Bowl hosting sites as slam dunks earlier. My belief is that Gillette and the Linc were last in. The history in the cities makes up for the lack of history in the venues.
Well, except for the Brady history in this instance. Gillette has its history, but it is not a venerable stadium. Boston the city closed this deal.
This place is an almost slam dunk. Soccer culture in Seattle is probably the best in the country. Sounders matches are a city wide event, and heavily attended. It is not rare for Sounders matches to sell out the 72K seat place. The only two knocks I can put on Seattle are the difficulty of travel, and their belief they are louder than Arrowhead. I have not attended a game, but have been in the area seeing the Mariners. Seattle does game day proper. This is also a top tier seafood spot. SEA is one of three airports I seek seafood with the others being BWI (Obyricki’s Crab House) and SFO (sushi). Pike place market is a must. Lumen opened in 2002 and has not renovated.
I cannot understate how huge this is. Let’s be real here: Kansas City is the city that looks out of place in the list of 16 hosts. Arrowhead One readers and writers have ties and love the place unconditionally, but people from the coasts don’t or claim ignorance. This location is a risk for FIFA on the levels of Manaus in the Brazilian Amazons. Kansas City does not have direct international flights from Europe or Asia, so it will require work for visitors. It is up to KC to not throw away this shot. KC received the once in a lifetime chance to remove flyover from its resume, and they will take it.
FIFA did take a risk. A calculated risk. Kansas City has a deep soccer culture. Sporting KC matches and supporters are know through MLS and even in some European circles. The high rate of local adoption mitigates most risk. However, the real risk mitigation is Arrowhead. Arrowhead is a crown jewel of the NFL. It’s between them and Lambeau for historical cache. They are the NFL’s answer to Wrigley and Fenway. I mentioned Boston, not Gillette, winning that bid. It may be the other way around in this instance with Arrowhead winning it for KC.
The other major risk for FIFA is the overall KC/Truman Sports Complex hospitality situation. More on that in a bit.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 80 matches in 16 cities. Canada and Mexico get 10 each, and the US gets 60 (we RULE). The 80 matches start with group play and then 8 round of 16, 4 quarters, 2 semis and a final. That is 15 knock out matches to go around. My assumption (big assumption BTW) is the 15 will spread evenly with one odd man out. My pick for the out is Guadalajara or Toronto based on their small size. BMO will almost certainly expand or build new, but Guadalajara probably won’t. Guadalajara is my pick to miss out.
My focus is on picking the final and semi final host cities, and the rest will fall as they do. I have broken all options into groups based on their likelihood for hosting the final.
This list includes all the stadiums with less than 70K seating. The final is a go big situation, and that removes the small venues. This eliminates Vancouver, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Miami, Philly and Boston. It currently excludes Toronto as well, but they are who I see as the most likely upgrade.
The next two spots are able stadiums, but not attractive enough destinations. Unfortunately, Kansas City lands here with Houston. FIFA is not putting the final either of these places.
This is Seattle’s spot. I believe Seattle has enough soccer and city attraction to almost make the next group, but the difficulty of travel drops it here.
Hello, San Francisco and Atlanta. Either of these locations make a ton of sense and would knock it out of the park. They are also major international travel hubs. Ultimately, I do not think they close the deal as much as other cities and venues. Toronto belongs in this group if they build a new stadium.
I feel incredibly confident in this comment: the 2026 World Cup Final will play in Dallas, LA, NY or Mexico City. There is simply no way around this. Here is the case for each:
I will start be reiterating this point: Dallas is my choice. They are the perfect host due to central location, ease of travel, bustling night life, and size of stadium. However, the correct call, and what I see FIFA doing, is Mexico City. Estadio Azteca will own this moment. Here is my full list of hosting duties:
I am back on Kansas City. This is a big win to get the host city spot, but it came with work. There is a list somewhere of infrastructural improvements the city and CHIEFS must make. I have not seen said list, but expect it looks something like this:
Kansas City is not the only place getting this list, but they may be the farthest off. I am not a hotel snob, but I prefer to stay at places nicer than your average landfill. The hotels closest to Arrowhead do not cut it. I am also not aware of any 5 star accommodations. These are fixable things and investors should end up tripping over each other to build this portion up. The next two start asking tough questions.
In 2005, the NFL gave the nod to Kansas City as Super Bowl Host with “if’s”. The stadium needed to be Climate Controlled. So far that has not happened.
The buzz around the future of Arrowhead has been audible as of late. I initially found it odd wondering why Clark Hunt, Mark Donovan, etc. would chose to talk about looking at options. This actually makes a ton of sense now. Decisions will be final in the next couple years, and all building will wrap before the 2025 season. It simply has to. I included build and renovation dates in my sections above to make this point: Arrowhead is the second oldest stadium on the list behind Lumen in Seattle. Lumen opened in 2002 and has not renovated. KC renovated and Guadalajara built in 2010. It seems wrong to call 2010 work old, but that’s the world we live in. Those 3 stadiums will have to update.
Kansas City has a decision to make, and it needs to happen fast. I see 3 paths:
There is no point in doing any of this without getting the venue Super Bowl host ready. I will dedicate a future column to how I see the options and give my opinions of each path, but for now this can marinate. Expect this to get real fast.
Josh Kingsley – ArrowheadOne
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