Los Angeles is no longer a host city for the 2026 World Cup due to an ongoing dispute between FIFA and the owners of SoFi Stadium, ESPN reported.
The home of the NFL’s Rams and Chargers was originally thought to be one of three contenders to host the World Cup final, along with MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.) and AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas).
Previous reports indicated that Stan Kroenke, owner of SoFi Stadium and the Rams, is unhappy with the proposed financial split between FIFA, the city and the stadium.
ESPN reported earlier this week that there are also issues with the field at the $5.5 billion stadium, which opened in 2020 as the world’s most expensive sports venue.
Renovations would be necessary to accommodate FIFA’s demands regarding the size of the pitch and Kroenke is not willing to take on those construction costs, per the report.
Los Angeles was one of the 16 host cities/regions revealed in June 2022, including three venues in Mexico and two in Canada. Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium is said to be one of the potential replacements for SoFi Stadium.
–Field Level Media
The four days between starts can seem particularly long for starting pitchers who are eager to redeem themselves after a poor performance on the mound. Such is the case for…
About three hours before Yankees right fielder Juan Soto saw his first pitch against the Houston Astros on Wednesday, New York manager Aaron Boone described his slugger’s at-bats by saying:…
David Fry only occasionally finds himself in the starting lineup, but the utilityman might be the Cleveland Guardians’ most indispensable player. Fry could play a key role again when the…
Yankees look to take down Astros for 10th straight time
Guardians visit lowly White Sox for four games
Cardinals aim to get back on track in Milwaukee
Giants vie for three-game sweep of skidding Rockies