Montreal has signalled its intention to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, provided soccer's world governing body approves a joint bid from Canada, the U.S. and Mexico to host the event.
The city has formally submitted its request for consideration as one of the host cities for the quadrennial tournament.
"We are determined to become on of the Canadian cities to host matches at this prestigious international tournament," mayor Denis Coderre said in a statement. "Whether it's the popularity of the Montreal Impact or of the recent FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015, it's clear that Montreal is a real soccer city."
FIFA has indicated it will expand the World Cup from 32 countries and 64 matches to 48 countries and 80 matches by 2026. If the three-nation bid is approved, Canada is expected to host as many as 10 of the 80 matches.
Six other Canadian cities are expected to formalize their bids to host World Cup matches: Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Regina, Calgary and Edmonton.