The bid committee overseeing the joint U.S./Canada/Mexico push for the 2026 World Cup released an updated list of potential host cities for the tournament on Thursday.

The United Bid Committee announced Tuesday that it has sent Requests for Information to 44 cities in North American, regarding a total of 49 stadiums. Included on the list are Toronto (2), Montreal (2), Vancouver, Ottawa, Regina, Calgary and Edmonton. 

But, put the game in Regina, in the brand-new Mosaic Stadium, and the context changes. As part of Saturday’s officially named Soccer Day in Saskatchewan, with plans now in full motion to put a Canadian Premier League team in the province, the game between the New York Cosmos and Valencia took on a very different meaning.

How do you know that you’re at a Canadian Premier League meet-and-greet event with circuit president Paul Beirne and two prospective partners in a Saskatchewan franchise?

A press conference has been scheduled for Tuesday morning in Regina, where it is expected that a friendly featuring Spanish side Valencia and a North American team (odds are on the New York Cosmos) will be announced.

The Canadian Premier League has yet to be announced, but supporters’ groups across the country have mobilized in anticipation of a league we can truly call our own...

Devin Masch, executive director of the Regina Soccer Association, said his group has approached the Canadian Soccer Association about its intent to host an international game — possibly a World Cup qualifier if the Canadian men’s national team makes it to the hex.

When you think of Saskatchewan and sports, you think about football... the other football, that is. But, when former Canadian national-teamer Kevin Holness returned home to Regina after his professional playing days were done, he helped rekindle a city’s love for the game of soccer