‘Why not here?’: Chicago fans lament missing out on hosting the World CupChicago is the country’s largest city not to host World Cup games after then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel pulled the bid in 2018.Chicagoans can only watch as World Cup fever consumes other cities in the U.S.Justinei Goode / NBC NewsJuly 5, 2026, 5:04 AM EDTCHICAGO — Brazil buried the ball in the goal and a swarm of fans in yellow shirts leaped from their seats, thrust their fists into the air and wildly jumped in circles. Brazil had just beaten Japan to advance to the next round of the World Cup.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.