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Orlando one step closer to hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orlando is one step closer to being one of 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA members voted 134-65 Wednesday to allow North America, known as "The United Bid" between the U.S., Mexico and Canada, to host the event. Members had narrowed the choices between the United Bid and Morocco.

Camping World Stadium is one of the U.S. stadiums being considered for the joint bid. The United Bid committee has a preliminary list of 23 cities that could host the tournament. The list will eventually be narrowed to 16.

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Channel 9 sports anchor Christian Bruey reports Orlando will find out if it made the final list in a few years.

"This is a moment that everyone involved in the sport in this country should be proud of," said Orlando City Soccer Club CEO Alex Leitão. "We can’t wait for the opportunity to continue showing Orlando’s great passion for soccer."

According to the United Bid Committee, the event would be staged across 16 existing stadiums throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States: 10 matches in Canada, 10 in Mexico, and 60 in the United States.

The World Cup is held every four years. This year's tournament starts Thursday in Russia, where matches will be held in 12 stadiums across 11 cities. The 2022 event will be in Qatar.