Kathy Castor: “The United States of America and our North American neighbors of Canada and Mexico have a wonderful opportunity to host…”

“The United States of America and our North American neighbors of Canada and Mexico have a wonderful opportunity to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. This is a combined North American bid. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague, Representative LaHood, and Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their support of this resolution, and I also commend my colleagues, Congressman Bacon and Congressman Kihuen, who also co-chair the Congressional Soccer Caucus. The United States last hosted the World Cup in 1994. We had nine cities. The attendance was over 3\1/2\ million. We think now for 2026 it is going to be bigger and better than ever because we are going to combine efforts with our North American neighbors of Canada and Mexico, where they will also host many of the tournament matches. {time} 1715 Mr. Speaker, I noticed that Mr. Webster was on the floor, along with Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and Mr. Deutch, and they should be proud to know that Orlando and Miami, from our home State of Florida, will be participating, and we love soccer in the Sunshine State. But I also offer my strong support for this resolution because of the inspiration that the World Cup soccer tournament provides to young people all across this country. It is like the Olympics. It encourages them to be healthy and well, to participate in team supports and athletics.…”