The dream of bringing World Cup soccer to Denver is closer to reality with the nearing completion of a major revision at Broncos Stadium.

The venue has been illuminated since 2001 by outdated metal halide bulbs which lack energy efficiency and require lengthy power-up times. Construction crews this month are expected to finish installation for thousands of LED bulbs that will light up the seating bowl and field. It’s good news for Broncos Country, but the long-term implications suggest a boon for soccer lovers, too.

The 2026 World Cup is headed to North America with Denver among 17 U.S. cities in contention for 10 locations to hold games. Earning a bid requires meeting FIFA stadium standards, and in some areas such as lighting, Mile High fell short. It’s among several reasons why the team’s Stadium Management Company contracted Musco Sports Lighting to upgrade Broncos Stadium as part of its $8.3 million budget for repairs and replacements in 2019.

The venue will be featured as a host site for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June. But full FIFA compliance will require additional LED lighting, the removal of some front-row seating sections and several more fixes, said SMC general manager Jay Roberts. With seven-plus years to prepare, though, any progress is good progress. Denver’s selection will be based on a variety of factors.

“Our bid really centered around our destination to support an event of this importance and size,” said Matthew Payne, director of the Denver Sports Commission. “We really needed to showcase our airport, transit, accommodations and the stadium was hugely important.”

U.S. host finalists are not expected to be named for at least another two years, Payne added, as Denver and other cities collect more data and research to prove why they belong.

Here’s a quick roundup of other future Broncos Stadium renovation plans, per the Metropolitan Football Stadium District.