Chatham-Kent shut out of FIFA World Cup Tour bid

Despite a push by local organizers, the FIFA World Cup tour will pass by Chatham-Kent.

FIFA unveiled the route Wednesday for Canada Celebrates, a tour that will make 38 stops in 34 cities across the country, between June 1 and July 19. The tour will include soccer-themed activities, stage entertainment, sponsorship opportunities, and a screening of a World Cup soccer match.

Earlier this year, Chatham-Kent council approved spending $50,000 to apply for the chance to host one of the stops, with the hopes of integrating the event into the Taste of Chatham-Kent festival.

While the neighbouring communities of London and Windsor were selected among the 16 locations in Ontario, CK will not be one of the stops on the tour.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.