KEIR RADNEDGE in RIO DE JANEIRO: Canada intends to use its hosting of the Women’s World Cup next year as a platform from which to bid for the men’s finals in 2026.

Victor Montagliani, president of the Canadian Football Association and also Canada 2015, was perfectly clear about his country’s ambitions today in Rio de Janeiro.

The 2026 finals cannot be staged in Asia or Europe, under the three-finals rule since Russia plays host in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. As for South America, Uruguay and Argentina have made it plain they have their eye on a centenary World Cup hosting in 2030.

This leave 2026 open. Mexico has already expressed an interest while it is though the United States may be favourite for not jumping on the Europe-led anti-Qatar bandwagon.

However Canada believes it can be a strong contender based on its across-the-board track record with the world federation.

Canada hosts the FIFA U-20 Womens World Cup later this year and then the full Women’s World Cup next year.

Loyal host nation

Montagliani said: “By 2016 we will have hosted every FIFA competition there is. Every tournament has broken attendance records and we expect the Women’s World Cup in 2015 to do the same.

“We have already announced an intention for 2026. Obviously there’s a process there but the success of 2015 will be a launching pad not only for the country from the women’s standpoint but a feature of the uniqueness of Canada is that our women’s team is also highly successful off the pitch.

“This will be a great opportunity for us to push the envelope in terms of the game and [a World Cup bid] would be a part of that.”

Canada can demonstrate for FIFA clear level of government support in terms of 30pc of support funding.

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