By Andrew Warshaw
July 11 – Canada is hoping to use next year’s Women’s World Cup as a springboard to bidding for the men’s equivalent in 2026 when in theory it should be CONCACAF’s turn to host.
Victor Montagliani (pictured), president of the Canadian Football Association, said the women’s event – which comprises an increased 24 teams playing 52 matches coast-to-coast in six host cities – was part of a longer-term strategy.
Mexico and the United States would be the obvious favourites to stage the men’s World Cup but Montagliani made it clear his country could be a strong contender based on other events it has staged or will do.
“By 2016 we will have hosted every FIFA competition there is,” he told a briefing. “Every tournament we have hosted has broken attendance records and we expect the Women’s World Cup in 2015 to do the same.
“We have already announced our intention for 2026. Obviously there’s a process there but the success of 2015 will be a launching pad not only from a women’s legacy standpoint. One of the unique things about Canada is that our women’s team is also successful off the pitch that it transcends gender.
“This will be a great opportunity for us to push the envelope in terms of the game and 2026 would be a part of that.”
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