Orlando

Greater Orlando 2026 FIFA World Cup Pursuit Partners Launch Website

Published

5 years ago

February 27, 2020

Greater Orlando 2026 World Cup Pursuit Partners (Greater Orlando Sports Commission)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Greater Orlando 2026 FIFA World Cup Pursuit Partners (GO26) – Greater Orlando Sports Commission, City of Orlando, Orange County and Orlando City Soccer Club – announced today their official website launch dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Orlando’s pursuit to become one of the selected host cities. This new and evolving website will feature the latest FIFA World Cup news and updates, offer volunteer and engagement opportunities, and provide information and updates about Orlando’s quest to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup host city status. Visitors to the site will discover all of this and more by going to Orlando2026.com.

In June of 2018, FIFA’s Member Associations voted to award the 2026 FIFA World Cup to the United Bid jointly submitted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. This will mark the first time in FIFA history that three nations will co-host the World Cup. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, bringing in 48 teams, 80 matches and is projected to exceed $5 billion in economic impact. FIFA is expected to select 16 host cities from the current 23 host city candidates and make the announcement of the final host cities in early 2021.

“Hosting is in our community’s DNA and we know we can deliver a world-class experience to the athletes, their families and soccer fans from around the globe. In 1994, we welcomed the FIFA World Cup to Orlando, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to host again,” said Jason Siegel, President and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.

“Our inclusive, vibrant city regularly welcomes visitors from across the globe and as one of America’s top sports destinations, has proved that it can host premier events. I have no doubt that Orlando would excel as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

“As a life-long resident of Orange County, I could not think of a more vibrant and exciting place to hold a FIFA World Cup match in 2026,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “I remember well the excitement FIFA World Cup generated in our community 25 years ago, when I was a police commander for the venue. No other region can compare to Orlando’s outstanding entertainment experiences and venues in creating an unforgettable adventure for international athletes and soccer fans.”

“My experience with the FIFA World Cup dates back to 1982 as a fan and in 2002 I was lucky enough to begin my involvement as a sports executive and worked on four World Cups,” said Alex Leitao, Chief Executive Officer for Orlando City Soccer Club. “Because of that, I can wholeheartedly say that there is no better place to welcome the passion, excitement and life-changing experiences of the FIFA World Cup than the City of Orlando. Our community is welcoming, diverse and the benchmark for what soccer support should be.”

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Golf

Russell Henley Wins Red Cardigan at 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational

Published

2 weeks ago

March 9, 2025

Mike Brodsky

Russell Henley wins the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Russell Henley wins his first red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. This is Henley’s fifth win on the PGA Tour.

Russell Henley is greeted by his family on the 18th green after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

Henley finished at 11 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 70 today. Collin Morikawa finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, finished today at 4 under par, tied for 11th place.

Scottie Scheffler tees off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

NFL

UCF Hall of Fame Inductee Shaquem Griffin Launches Search For Greatness Combine With Joey Grant and GMTM

Published

5 months ago

October 30, 2024

Mike Brodsky

UCF Hall of Fame Inductee Shaquem Griffin Launches Search For Greatness Combine With Joey Grant and GMTM

Former UCF football players Shaquem Griffin and Joey Grant have partnered with GMTM to launch their Search for Greatness Combine at UCF on Saturday, November 9th. They’re giving local athletes a chance to showcase their talents and explore new sports opportunities. Griffin will be inducted into the UCF Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 2nd, during halftime of the Arizona vs. UCF football game. He is remembered for his tenacity, setting an NFL Combine record with the fastest 40-yard dash by a linebacker, and playing four seasons in the NFL, overcoming the challenge of only having one hand. He is now training to make the USA Paralympic Track and Field Team and hopes to compete in the 2028 Olympics. Joey Grant, the co-founder and CEO of GMTM, is a former UCF team captain, playing mostly Center for the Knights from 2011-2015.

Participation at the upcoming combine is free and invite-only, targeting athletes over the age of 18. To be considered, athletes must submit a highlight video via GMTM’s platform, showcasing their athleticism. GMTM will evaluate submissions and invite the most promising athletes to participate in the combine. The goal for this year’s event is to get 1,000 athletes to submit videos and be part of the combine process. Athletes chosen will receive personalized invites with further instructions, including event time slots and details. The athletes will be evaluated for their key athletic traits, to identify opportunities for them across multiple Olympic sports or professional sports programs. To learn more, or to apply for the combine, visit: https://gmtm.com/articles/the-search-for-greatness-at-ucf-with-shaquem-griffin-what-you-need-to-know.

Florida National News spoke with Shaquem and Joey about the combine, college football in the era of NIL and the transfer portal, and Griffin’s hall of fame induction. You can watch the full interview here:

Shaquem Griffin and Joey Grant interview

Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com and www.FloridaSportsChannel.com for more.

Florida

Scottie Scheffler Wins Second Red Cardigan at 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational

Published

1 year ago

March 10, 2024

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Scottie Scheffler wins his second red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. Scheffler first won the API in 2022.

Scottie Scheffler wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

The number one ranked golfer in the world, Scheffler finished at 15 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 66 today. Wyndham Clark finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Kurt Kitayama, did not make the cut, this weekend, finishing 7 over par after the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday.

This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for the 50th anniversary of The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.