Vancouver is another step closer to playing host to one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

The city has made the short list of potential cities to host the FIFA 2026 World Cup, the United Bid Committee announced Wednesday. The list of potential host cities includes four in Canada — Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver — three in Mexico and 25 in the U.S.

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The three countries have come together for a united bid to host the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

Initially Vancouver was among more than 40 cities under consideration. That number has been narrowed down to 32 as the committee moves through the bidding process.

“We received applications from 41 cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States and narrowed the list after a comprehensive review of each of the communities and facilities,” said John Kristick, executive director of the United Bid Committee. “The 32 cities that we have identified as potential host cities, on their own and together, are prepared to welcome soccer fans from around the world. They are more than capable of helping fulfill the shared vision and ambition of FIFA and the United Bid in shaping the future of soccer in North America.”

The FIFA World Cup, which takes place every four years, is the biggest sporting competition in the world. Brazil hosted the 2014 edition, which attracted more than 3.4 million spectators.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature an expanded field of 48 teams. If the tournament is awarded to North America, 10 matches will be held in Canada.

The bid committee will submit its proposal in March 2018.

Morocco is the only other country bidding to host the event. The winning bid will be announced on June 13, 2018.

@JessicaEKerr

jkerr@vancourier.com