July 6 – As the United States celebrated their first women’s World Cup triumph since 1999 amid euphoric scenes in Vancouver following their 5-2 thrashing of Japan, attention immediately turned to the 2026 men’s version which is due to be CONCACAF’s turn.
Canadian soccer chief Victor Montagliani has indicated that following the success of the women’s tournament and the crowds it attracted, his country would be keen to stage 2026 though the US and Mexico would be clear favourites whenever the bidding begins.
To be in the running, Canada would at least have to start installing grass pitches but that is probably the farthest thing from Montagliani’s mind as he takes stock of excellent television ratings and what FIFA described as the most successful women’s tournament so far despite the fact that Sepp Blatter declined to travel to Canada to hand over the trophy and that African soccer boss Issa Hayatou, who replaced him, was greeted with a chorus of boos.
On the field, Carli Lloyd’s remarkable 13-minute hat-trick made sure the US avenged their heartbreaking defeat on penalties to Japan four years ago to become the first side to win the trophy three times following their 1991 and 1999 successes. It also vindicated the coaching style of Jill Ellis following criticism of the team’s performances in the build-up to the tournament and during the group stages.
“I told the players they had to continue to believe in the process and it had to be a fast process because I was hired about year ago,” said English-born Ellis. “There have been some growing pains but it’s not vindication, it just feels really good and I could not be more proud of the players and the staff because I knew they had it in them.”
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