"We advocated fiercely": Alberta leaders not impressed Edmonton shut out of hosting FIFA

Amarjeet Sohi/ Facebook

Edmonton’s mayor is voicing his disappointment after Alberta’s capital was shut out of being a host city of the 20216 FIFA World Cup.

“Today, I am disappointed to announce that Edmonton was not successful in our bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2026™”, Mayor Sohi said in a news release and on Twitter.

“We advocated fiercely, we had our provincial and federal government partners on board to provide funding, and most of all, we had the support of Edmontonians,” he added.

“I am proud of the bid that we put forward, and I will explore other ways to put Edmonton on the world stage. I wish the recently announced host cities the best of luck in 2026.

🧵Today, I am disappointed to announce that Edmonton was not successful in our bid for the @FIFAWorldCup in 2026. We advocated fiercely, we had our provincial and federal government partners on board to provide funding, and most of all, we had the support of Edmontonians. #YEG

— Amarjeet Sohi (@AmarjeetSohiYEG) June 16, 2022

FIFA announced Thursday afternoon that among the 16 North American cities chosen were Vancouver and Toronto.

Minister of Culture Ron Orr also issued a statement on the FIFA World Cup 2026 host city announcement, saying ” It is unfortunate that soccer fans will not experience the beauty and vibrancy of Edmonton and our province as a whole. Alberta’s government worked hard and committed a significant financial sum to help the bid along.”

“I wish to thank the City of Edmonton for its courage and vision. Your enthusiasm for these games has been noteworthy. We share your disappointment with this decision,” Orr added.

Correction: A previous version of this story stated the Government of Alberta spent $110 million on the bidding to be a host city in its excerpt. The Government of Alberta was to commit up to $110.12 million if it was successful in being named a host city. As Edmonton was not named as a host city, the province did not spend $110.12 million. We apologize for the error.