Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento are in the mix for two Major League Soccer expansion clubs, the US league has announced.
The quartet will make presentations to the MLS expansion committee and commissioner Don Garber on December 6.
Discussions will continue on December 14 in New York at a meeting of the MLS board of governors, with the league's next two franchises to be announced before the end of 2017.
Garber said in a statement: "The leaders of the Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville and Sacramento MLS expansion ownership groups have bold visions and innovative plans for their clubs, stadiums and their involvement in their respective communities."
The league eventually plans to expand to 28 teams, with Los Angeles Football Club already confirmed to become the 23rd club in MLS from next year.
Talks are still ongoing in Miami where former England captain David Beckham is still trying to get his anticipated franchise off the ground.