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This edition covers:

FIFA announced updates to the 2026 match schedule. The update reveals potential routes for host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States, based on their group stage rankings and also highlights what groups play in which cities.

FIFA has announced the first release of Team Hotels and Training Sites (aka “Team Base Camps”) for the 2026 World Cup and its 48 participating teams. This initial list includes 24 locations, with more to be added over the next 18 months across Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Nine cities outside the 16 host cities, including Chattanooga, Cincinnati, and St. Louis, are now potential base camps, expanding the tournament's reach.

Fun Memory: In 2014, I could sit at my rented room in a Rio de Janeiro apartment and watch the Netherlands practice.

Last newsletter included analysis of World Cup ticket prices since 1994.

There’s a separate post about Copa America 2024 prices (absurdly high) and comparisons to World Cup prices.

If you want to throw gas on your anger over Copa America 2024 prices, read about the affordability of the Euros.

Those unfamiliar with June/July in North America, it can get hot 🥵. The 2024 Copa America tournament is learning this quickly and kickoff times for 2026 will certainly be a talking point to balance the heat and tv viewing times for the eastern half of the world.

Henry Bushnell of Yahoo Sports wrote an article on this.

Stadiums were able to remain in charge of their concession options and prices for Copa America.

USA has an awful reputation with concession options and prices at events; however, Mercredes Benz Stadium in Atlanta flipped that on its head with Arthur Blank’s (Home Depot co-founder, owner of Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United) insistence on “fan-friendly” pricing. The options went viral after a post from the stadium’s social media.

Highlights include $2 for popcorn, $2 for a soda, $3 for a slice of pizza and a “regular domestic draft beer” being $5.

This was welcomed by fans while also making other stadiums around USA look silly. However, this may not last for the World Cup. FIFA has strict agreements with vendors in place and also tends to set prices consistent with stadiums. It will be interesting to see what happens for 2026.

Looking forward to more announcements like this one. Philadelphia announced its plans and location for its official FIFA Fan Fest.

Here’s the rundown but the best article I found is this one from the Inquirer.

Philadelphia will host FIFA's Fan Fest at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park during the 2026 World Cup. The choice of location comes after a thorough search, considering factors like space, accessibility, and the city's iconic landmarks. The project includes a two-phase renovation of the park, with a focus on community input for long-term legacy benefits. The Fan Fest will be accessible via public transportation, with plans to improve ADA accessibility and provide shuttle services from Center City, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both locals and visitors.

While the Euros and Copa America are going on, Asia and Africa continued their World Cup Qualifying campaigns in June. Here’s a quick update on it all:

If you’re curious about the other confederations:

Euro 2024 in Germany has been incredible. The matches have been entertaining, the atmospheres incredible and results unpredictable. For a quick recap, view:

Seen as a precursor to 2026 because many 2026 host stadiums are being used, Copa America 2024 has had its controversy. Attendance, ticket prices and heat are all covered above.

That said, I was fortunate enough to attend Argentina vs Canada in Atlanta and had a great time, but do hope FIFA takes note on the many areas to improve for the fan experience.

View the standings and match highlights.

Before we get to the Bonus Links…

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