Canada will bid to host 2026 FIFA World Cup

Qatar was chosen to host the World Cup in 2022. Will Canada host in 2026? (Shaun Botterill / FIFA via Getty Images)

The Canadian Soccer Association plans to submit a bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a strategic plan the organization released Thursday.

Though Canada is not known for its soccer prowess, the document -- titled "Leading a Soccer Nation" -- calls for an investment in the growth of the game in the country, including a push to host the world's most high-profile sporting event. Canada's only World Cup appearance came in 1986, and its men's national team currently stands at 111th in the latest FIFA rankings.

Canada has never hosted a World Cup.

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Fellow North American countries, the United States and Mexico, have also expressed interest in hosting the 2026 World Cup. Mexico reportedly would consider co-hosting with its northern neighbor.

The United States' bid for the 2022 World Cup fell short, as FIFA awarded the tournament to Qatar amid controversy over the selection process. Russia, meanwhile, will host the tournament in 2018.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil kicks off this June.

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