Washington might have to consolidate its 2026 World Cup venue bid with Baltimore because of concerns about the viability of playing at FedEx Field, a major blow to the city’s efforts of hosting soccer’s marquee event, people familiar with the matter said Wednesday.
As part of a joint regional effort, Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium would become the area’s game venue and the District would stage nongame events, such as large-scale watch parties on the National Mall, said two people, who requested anonymity in order to speak openly about the situation.
Last fall, Washington received high marks for its presentation to FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, but FedEx Field, a Landover venue plagued with problems for years, did not, those people said.