ZURICH: FIFA inspectors will be back in north and central America next week to wrap up their final study visits to the 2026 World Cup candidate host cities.

A delegation led by CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani visited 17 cities in September and October and will conclude the assessments in Edmonton, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Los Angeles and Toronto.

A statement said:

The visits come after many virtual exchanges over the last two years, and they will give the opportunity for the FIFA delegation to meet with the candidate host city representatives and local stakeholders to discuss key topics such as venue management, infrastructure and sustainability as well as commercial, legal and legacy matters. The FIFA experts will also inspect essential infrastructure, such as stadiums, training facilities and potential FIFA Fan Festival™ venues.

After the conclusion of the inspection tour, a thorough assessment will follow and FIFA expects to finalise the selection process by Q1/Q2 2022.

Montopoli appointed

One decision has been the appointyment of Peter Montopoli as chief pperating officer Canada for the 2026 finals.

Montopoli has been general secretary of Canada Soccer for the last 14 years and was ceo of the local organising committee for the 2015 Women’s World Cup in as well as Canada’s bid director for the successful United 2026 bid.

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