The government of Alberta committed to supporting the City of Edmonton’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition to the tune of $110.12 million..“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a great platform for economic investment, boosting our global profile and building Alberta’s sporting legacy. In recognition of this, Alberta’s government will support the City of Edmonton’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 with a maximum contribution of $110.12 million, with conditions. A provincial secretariat will also be created,” the provincial government said in a Tuesday press release..The sports subsidy comes with certain conditions Edmontonians must meet, however. The funding is subject to various terms:.Confirmation of federal and municipal funding for the bid.Acknowledgement and acceptance of the province’s letters of assurance as presented to the City of Edmonton and in response to the FIFA Government Guarantees. Confirmation the City of Edmonton is assured to host at least five games by FIFA, if accepted as a host city, and that at least two of these five games are at the round of 32 or round of 16 knockout stages.Confirmation that unforeseen security costs will be the responsibility of the city and the federal government.Allocation of one-third of the seating allocated to the City of Edmonton..The games would be played at Commonwealth Stadium, which is scheduled to install a grass field..The 2026 event will play in three countries — Canada, Mexico and the US. Venues must still be decided with Vancouver and Edmonton currently holding the inside track..“Alberta has a history of hosting world-class sporting events that are well attended, fun and safe, so FIFA 2026 would be a natural fit for our province. We’re supporting Edmonton’s bid because it makes sense — there are a multitude of economic and social benefits that will come with hosting the world’s largest soccer celebration,” Kenney said..Ron Orr, Alberta minister of Culture, said a successful FIFA bid would showcase the province on the world stage as a great place to live, work and visit..“We are happy to support the city’s bid and ensure that Albertans across the province can celebrate this event,” he said..Canada sealed its trip to the World Cup in Qatar with a 4-0 win Sunday over Jamaica in Toronto. The event will be held in Qatar starting in November. Canada plays it’s last qualifying game Wednesday night in Panama..The draw for the Qatar World Cup will take place Friday..Amanda Brown is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.abrown@westernstandardonline.com.,.Twitter: @WS_JournoAmanda
