Why Columbus isn't hosting a World Cup match

Zoom in: Ohio Stadium is a marquee venue that could hold 100,000 fans — but it can't host official games.

• After adding seats in the early 2000s, the stadium's field is now too narrow for regulation FIFA events.
• That's why its only big soccer matches are friendlies.

Without the 'Shoe, we're left with ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. It's a state-of-the-art building, but about 50,000 capacity short of World Cup demands.

🇪🇨 Yes, but: We do have facilities for a World Cup-caliber team.

• Ecuador has been in Columbus since late May, using the training facilities at Historic Crew Stadium as their World Cup headquarters.
• Columbus is a convenient location between their matches in Philadelphia, Kansas City and New Jersey.

🏅 Plus: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field will host nine LA28 Olympic soccer matches.

Reality check: Missing out on a World Cup match might not be the worst thing for Columbus.

• Some cities face massive logistical and financial struggles thanks to FIFA dysfunction — problems some saw coming.