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World Cup Potentially Coming To Pasadena
Pasadena Independent Jul 18, 2018
The mixed-use project at 3200 E. Foothill Blvd. boasts an open-space design but sits directly next to the 210 Freeway and on land that requires remediation. – Courtesy photo / City of Pasadena Planning Department
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Pasadena’s historic Rose Bowl stadium will possibly host several games in the 2026 World Cup. – Courtesy photo
By Aaron Valdez
The wait is over.
After a lengthy campaign to bring the world’s most popular sporting event to North America, the United States, Mexico, and Canada will co-host the 2026 World Cup with the Rose Bowl being a likely venue for multiple matches.
The announcement was made right before the start of the 2018 World Cup, which has many American fans excited. This will be the first time the prestigious tournament will be held in North America since 1994 when it was held in the United States.
As of now, there are 23 candidate cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada that will be narrowed down to 16 in 2020 or 2021. Interestingly enough, this World Cup will see an expansion of the playing field from 32 qualified teams to 48.
It’s already been decided that the final game will be held at MetLife Stadium in the New York City metro area. However, the Rose Bowl’s history, capacity (90,000), and location (Los Angeles) make a strong case for it to host other big games.
The Rose Bowl was the site for the final game back in 1994. In that match, Brazil topped Italy in penalties 3-2 after playing to a scoreless tie at the end of extra time. The win earned Brazil its fourth World Cup title.
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