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Now that we're past the Chicago 2016 failure, attention can now turn to the next major sporting event bid: the World Cup. While the U.S. men's national team has secured its spot in South Africa for next summer's World Cup (woo! CONCACAF Hexagonal Champs!) and Rio prepares to host the 2014 World Cup as a tune-up for the 2016 Olympics, bidding is underway for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments. And, of course, the U.S. has thrown its hat in the ring for both. The U.S. joins a bevy of countries competing for 2018 and 2022 including England, Russia, and Australia.
Along with the bid comes a sub-competition among U.S. cities to host World Cup games. According to the U.S. bid site, 32 stadiums in 27 cities are competing for the chance to host games. Yes, Soldier Field is among them. And chances are Soldier Field will be among the stadiums chosen should the U.S. earn either World Cup. Not only did Chicago host preliminary round games the last time the U.S. had the World Cup in 1994, but it also hosted a Round 16 match and the Opening Ceremony. Add to that the high attendance at Soldier Field for international matches - such as this summer's World Cup qualifier against Honduras - and lots of local support for the Fire and it all adds up to the Magic 8 Ball saying "All signs point to 'Yes'" for Chicago if the U.S. is selected to host one of those World Cups. Of course, we've all learned on lesson that, in international sports, there is no "sure thing," so we're not holding our breath. But you have to like our chances.
FIFA will announce the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in December 2010.
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Considering how well England did in the stand for the 06 WC (third) with South Africa second (who has 2010), combined with the fact that they've not had it since '66, I think they have the best chance. That's combined with top notch stadiums and the olympic venues that are to be built.
I just think that since the states had it in 94, even with great success, it should be handed off to another country for a second round.
Although I may be biased, see my icon.
I think you're right, though looking at who else is bidding, I'm guessing the U.S. has a great shot at 2022. Australia and Russia are the biggest challengers and if geography has anything to do with it, i'm not sure FIFA would go for another southern hemisphere or European/Asia host. Of course, again, speculation is worthless in the face of international politicking...But yeah, U.S.'s best chance is '22 and I agree England pretty much has it for '18.
The only challenge I actually see to England getting in '18 would be the BeNeLux bid, but in 2022 it would probably come down to the U.S. or Australia (Russia's position in the UEFA league would count against them as a negative if there was a European cup). I would love to have it here in the U.S. again. I saw Bulgaria and Greece at Soldier Field when I was 10 so having back would be a great way to celebrate 38.
Wow, Sean. Thanks for making me feel old. I saw Germany-Spain at Soldier Field in '94 ... a couple weeks after I graduated high school. But I agree, another shot at seeing the World Cup would be pretty cool.
it's concacaF. but yeah, england will get 2018 almost guaranteed. but 2022, could happen i guess...
It almost seems like a lock for the USA 2022, but the same was said for the Olympics.
I'll pray to baby jesus to make this happen!
Didn't the renovation of Soldier Field make it too small for World Cup matches? Or maybe we can only host preliminary round games and not elimination round games? I vaguely remember reading this somewhere. Anyone else recall seeing that?
I think FIFA requirements say 40,000 for prelim rounds and 60,000 for knock out rounds. Soldier Field now has a capacity of just over 61,000