Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer has said many times he wants the city to be a destination for the world’s biggest sporting events, including the next World Cup held in America.

That goal is now closer than ever.

The City of Orlando has been contacted about being part of the joint bid for the United States, Canada and Mexico to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We received the formal bid documents on Friday and are currently evaluating the bid and what this would involve from our community,” read a statement released by the city on Monday evening. Fox-35 was the first to report Orlando’s invitation to join the U.S. World Cup bid.

The release also included a letter sent to Dyer on July 10 from U.S. Soccer president and chairman of the United Bid Committee Sunil Gulati.

“We believe Orlando is a strong candidate for participation in this process, given your support of soccer, stadium facilities and tourism infrastructure you already have in place,” read a portion of the letter. “A cornerstone of our bid will be the reliance on existing infrastructure in our great cities.

“We hope to work closely with you and your city to achieve our goal of winning the right to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

Dyer’s response stated the city is eager to work with the bid committee and agrees it would be a strong candidate to host games. Allen Johnson, the Executive Director of Orlando Venues, and Jason Siegel, CEO of the Central Florida Sports Commission, will take the lead working with the bid committee, according to the statement.

Dyer went on to mention Orlando’s role as host for the 1994 World Cup and Copa América Centenario matches last summer. The city also will host a 2018 World Cup qualifying match at Orlando City Stadium on Oct.6.

The emergence of Orlando City Soccer Club, which now includes three professional soccer teams, also has helped grow a large fan base for the sport over the last seven years.

U.S. men's national team coach Bruce Arena visited Orlando in May and said there could not be a better venue or city to select for the qualifier than Orlando.

U.S. men's national team coach, Bruce Arena, spoke alongside Orlando City CEO Alex Leitão and City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer about bringing a U.S. men's qaulifier to the Orlando City Stadium and the importance of playing in MLS stadiums. U.S. men's national team coach, Bruce Arena, spoke alongside Orlando City CEO Alex Leitão and City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer about bringing a U.S. men's qaulifier to the Orlando City Stadium and the importance of playing in MLS stadiums.

Camping World Stadium’s multi-million dollar renovation and Orlando City’s new soccer-specific stadium downtown both contributed to putting Orlando on the map for major events in soccer and other sports, including the men’s NCAA tournament basketball tournament, the Pro Bowl and Wrestlemania.

“Hosting is a common thread that connects our community: our formidable group of government officials, visitor’s bureau leaders, corporate partners, media outlets, marketing and event planners, hospitality providers, and network of hundreds of volunteers are ready and excited to mobilize,” read Dyer’s response to U.S. Soccer.

ardelgallo@orlandosentinel.com