New Orleans Eyes Hosting Soccer, Rugby World Cup Matches in 2026 and 2031

New Orleans may soon become the host of international soccer and rugby matches, thanks to a bill introduced by Senator Patrick Connick. Senate Bill 404 would allow the international and national governing bodies of soccer and rugby to qualify for state incentives if their teams compete in Louisiana. This includes events such as World Cup matches and friendly matches between national or professional teams. Organizations like FIFA, World Rugby, U.S. Soccer, and USA Rugby would now be eligible for support from the state’s major event fund.

The bill was proposed on behalf of NOLA Gold, a professional rugby team based in Metairie. The legislation has already been approved by the Senate and is currently awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives. The major event fund, which currently stands at around $22 million, is used to attract significant events like the Super Bowl, WWE Wrestlemania, political party conventions, and the NCAA Final Four basketball championship. Lesser-known sporting events such as mixed martial arts tournaments and the U.S. Bowling Congress tournament also qualify for funding under existing law.

Legislators argue that investing public funds in these large events is justified because they bring back more tax revenue to the state through hotel stays and other spending by out-of-town guests. Additionally, the fund supports annual events in New Orleans like the Bayou Classic, Essence Festival, and Zurich Classic golf tournament. The current budget being considered by the Louisiana Legislature allocates $14 million from the major events incentive fund for the next year. Governor Jeff Landry requested $10 million of that funding to go towards hosting Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in 2025.

While it’s not certain yet if New Orleans will be selected as a host city for international soccer matches in 2026 when America hosts its first-ever soccer World Cup tournament since 1986, it’s possible that it could be chosen to host a rugby World Cup match in 2031 when America participates once again in this global tournament series hosted by Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).