FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Sorry, but it's going to Europe guys. It ought to go to England. They haven't hosted the Cup since 1966 which is much longer than our 1994 bid.

The US ought to try for 2022.

I was 8 years old when the Cup was in the US. I hope I do get the opportunity to see it on US soil again.

One of my fondest memories was seeing Italy play Mexico to a 1:1 draw, in front of 63,000 boisterous fans. It was my first time seeing a live game. Previously I had only played soccer in youth leagues, never knowing how great the game actually was (back then, it was just a very fun game to play).

Even though now my job has nothing to do with soccer, I played on the JuCo and collegiate level because of my life experiences. Now that I'm in a completely different field (analytics), my passion for the sport is still as strong as ever.

It would be perfect for it to come full circle with one more US-based World Cup.

I'm actually pulling for England as well. I'd like to see games played in Stamford Bridge, Emirates, Old Trafford, and the likes.

I don't think England (you can throw Italy in here too) is even able to be considered until they can prove on the club level that they have moved beyond hooliganism. Ultimately, this is a huge worldwide tourist event, bigger than even the Olympics I'd be willing to say. FIFA wouldn't want it's reputation smeared world-wide when England gets mopped up by some scrubs in their first game and English "fans" lay a beating on the other countries fans for them winning.

I don't think hooliganism has much to do with this. FIFA favors Europe, so if England (or Italy, or Spain, France (yeah I know...1998), or even Switzerland/Austria) stepped up with a credible bid it's their Cup.

I hear you JHopper2. I'm a little older than you (I was 12 when the Cup was played in 1994) and I would love to see it back here but I really think that 2018 is just too soon.

Buffalo,

Hooliganism exists in many places. A fan was killed just this weekend here in Brazil in RJ for example, and the WC is coming. (Oddly, the country with the least amount of sports related violence seems to be the U.S.)

It's way too soon for the U.S. to have a WC again. It's attractive to FIFA because the infrastructure is always in place (stadiums, transport etc) but it should go to England. France? Non. '98 was almost yesterday. A joint Belgium/Netherlands bid would be hard to argue against methinks as well.

Listen, if it goes to Europe it goes to England. They have the been building new stadiums (Wembley, Emerites), it's beeen FOREVER since they hosted, and they are going to offer the most to FIFA. They will do whatever it takes to get it back there. As for the hooligans, no need to worry about them, at least not in or around the stadium. England has done a lot to curb that stuff. Personally there is nothing I would love more than for the US to host it, but realistically it's not going to happen. It's fun to think about though. We have a better shot at 2022. Damn, that's really far away though huh?

Also, Spain has already offically said they're not even putting in a bid for it. No way France goes for it, and I think the Netherlands/Beligum bid is going to be for the Euro tourney, not the WC.

I think it's Englands turn. Italy has too much in the way of violence and corruption right now. BeNeLux could be awesome, but I'd still rather see England get it. These new stadiums being built are screaming for World Cup action.

Yes, Brazil is very violent... but weren't their most recent riots about stadium seating collapsing, and not about the product on the field? I honestly don't think Brazil will "be prepapred" as Pele promises in 7 years... and then the US or Mexico will jump right in and take over, most likely the US. Our stadiums, hotels, and transportation are ready to go. None have the history of an Old Trafford or a Stamford Bridge... but every stadium they can play in can be a Wembley in the US, and that means big bucks for everyone involved.... money rules all.

Yeah, England is going to get it, although I would personally prefer a belgium/holland WC.

The US should bid for practically every single WC. We have the stadium and infrastructure and fans to host a great WC at any time.

sorry, stadiums (or stadia)

No, there wasn't any real rioting about the disaster in Bahia. There maybe should have been since that stadium hasn't been renovated in 57 years. When engineers told the stadium president it urgently needed work...he painted it. Bem vindo a Brasil caras!

The killing this weekend involved a Flamengo (most fans in Brazil) supporter getting killed by a group of Vasco supporters. (Factoid- Who Romario manages now btw). It was actually a basketball game between the two clubs but it was a fight between two organized factions and they are enormous in Brazil are support all of the sports their clubs participate in.

What I am saying is that Brazil has highly organized fan groups whose primary objective is to fight each other and the police, much like in Italy or England. It didn't stop them from being awarded the WC.

I know France was far too soon. I was just trying to make a larger point that if a European nation makes a pleasing argument to FIFA then the Cup is theirs.

Belgium/Netherlands is not a bad idea but considering the fractious nature between the French and German populations of Belgium (the nation is practically split 50/50 between the Flemish and the Waloons) there might not even be a Belgium by 2018.

And before you say I'm crazy and that can't happen in Europe I give you two cases: Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia) and Yugoslavia (now Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia and considering that Kosovo is fighting to split from Serbia you can add them to that list).

J. HOVA,

I doubt that will happen in the next 10 years, if at all. There is enormous pressure from some very rich neighbors seeking to quell that.

If it did...it would not be under civil war circumstances but a very careful calm separation of government between the two. Animosity does not exist to the point that couldn't cooperate over holding WC games. It's not a war that is being discussed there.

I still wouldn't be surprised to see the US granted the World Cup... frankly, it's the last country in the world to accept it on the mass level, though it is growing in stature. 2018 is still more than 10 years away, another 10 years for the MLS to grow on the domestic level for a total of over 20 years...

The name of the game is money, which is probably why the continental rotation was scrapped... more support for the sport in the US would ultimately mean to more money for FIFA.

Jazinho:

Never thought it would be Civil war. It wasn't Civil war in Czechoslovakia either. They called it the Velvet Seperation for crying out loud. I know Yugoslavia was a Civil War...I should have stated that.

I do think the country will divide though. It's clear to see that the power sharing between the two groups is coming undone. I'm sure if they can come to an agreement that benefits the Flemish, the Waloons, and the European Union, division can occur. Maybe 2020?

Forgot to address your first point: That's true. A divided Belgium would definitely disrupt Benelux (the union of Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg) as well as force the French and Germans to stand up and support their respective ethnic groups.

There you have an extremely good point.

Honestly, this is a boring topic so do you care to have more EU/Belgium discussions? I can go all day if you can.

Actually, I cannot go all day. About to leave the j-o-b. Until tomorrow, friend.

im goin england, then the us in 2022. that will give us plenty of time to get new stadiums and the such