North America will host the 2026 World Cup; after Fifa voters overwhelmingly opted for the financial and logistical certainty of a United States-led bid; over a risky Moroccan proposal for the first 48-team tournament.

The soccer showpiece will return to the US for the first time since 1994 after gaining 134 votes; while Morocco got 65 at the Fifa Congress in Moscow on Wednesday.

The vote by football federations was public; in contrast to secrecy surrounding the ballot by Fifa's elected board members for the 2018 and 2022 hosts, Russia and Qatar, in 2010.

The US proposed staging 60 out of the 80 games in 2026; when 16 teams will be added to the finals, leaving Canada and Mexico with 10 fixtures each. North America will host the 2026 World Cup after Fifa voters overwhelmingly opted for the financial and logistical certainty; of a United States-led bid over risky Moroccan proposals for the first 48-team tournament.

The soccer showpiece will return to the US for the first time since 1994 after gaining 134 votes, while Morocco got 65 at the Fifa Congress in Moscow on Wednesday.

The vote by football federations was public; in contrast to secrecy surrounding the ballot by Fifa's elected board members for the 2018 and 2022 hosts, Russia and Qatar, in 2010.

The US proposed staging 60 out of the 80 games in 2026, when 16 teams will be added to the finals, leaving Canada and Mexico with ten fixtures each. The US is set to host all games from the quarterfinals onward.

An optimistic promise of delivering US$14 billion in revenue helped sway voters, along with the lack of major construction work required on the 16 planned stadiums, all of which already exist.
By contrast, Morocco appeared too hazardous as a potential host when all 14 venues had to be built or renovated as part of a US$16 billion investment in new infrastructure. The vote leaves Morocco reeling from a fifth failure in a World Cup hosting vote, with the continent's sole tournament coming in 2010 in South Africa.

While Morocco's combined tickets and hospitality revenue would be US$1.07 billion; according to Fifa analysis, North America would generate US$2 billion additional income.

READ FULL STORY: https://www.gistmate.com.ng/worldcup-2026-us-canada-and-mexico-wins-vote-to-host/

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 14, and for 32 days, the soccer world will take over Russia. Sixty-four matches will take place over 12 venues in 11 cities as 32 teams fight for the right to be named champions of the world.

According to cbssports, of the 12 stadiums built or renovated to the World Cup, Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow and the Saint Petersburg Stadium will be used the most. Each venue gets a minimum of four games. The lights, the facades the scenery, the designs for each of these stadiums are incredibly stunning.

Consider this a complete guide to every venue for this summer's tournament.

FIND FULL WORLD CUP FIXTURES; MATCH DATES, TIME AND VENUE

Ekaterinburg Arena (Central Stadium) in Yekaterinburg

Founded: 1957 (renovated from 2006-2011)
Capacity: 35,696 during World Cup; 23,000 after World Cup
Surface: Grass
Home club: FC Ural Yekaterinburg
World Cup games: Four group stage matches.
Yekaterinburg is the fourth-largest city, located in central Russia right where Europe and Asia meet. As you'll notice in the image above, there are bleachers on both ends built into the stadium. Those will be gone after the tournament. This venue will host four group stage games: Egypt vs. Uruguay on June 15, France vs. Peru on June 21, Japan vs. Senegal on June 24 and Mexico vs. Sweden on June 27.

Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad

Founded: 2018
Capacity: 35,212 during World Cup; 25,000 after World Cup
Surface: Grass
Home club: FC Baltika Kaliningrad
World Cup games: Four group stage matches.
Kaliningrad faces the Baltic sea and is bordered by Lithuania and Poland. It's the closest venue to the Europe. It plays host to the following group stage games: Croatia vs. Nigeria on June 16, Serbia vs. Switzerland on June 22, Spain vs. Morocco on June 25 and England vs. Belgium on June 28.

Kazan Arena in Kazan

SEE FULL DETAILS: https://www.gistmate.com.ng/complete-stadium-guides-for-world-cup-2018-venues/amp/