A Message from US Soccer President Sunil Gulati
Hello –
Just a few hours ago, FIFA announced the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite our best efforts, the United States was not chosen for this honor.
There’s no way around it: I am disappointed. Millions of U.S. soccer fans worked hard to bring the World Cup to our country. To come up short is very difficult to take.
But in the face of this disappointment, we shouldn’t lose track of all that we achieved. During the past two years, the outpouring of support for soccer in the United States has been inspiring and historic. More than one million people signed on to our Bid, and more than 100 million watched last summer’s World Cup.
Thanks to your efforts, the Game is stronger than ever in our country, and it will continue to grow stronger. There’s no question that you’ve helped make a lasting impact on soccer in the United States. The entire country – and the entire world – took notice.
Even though our Bid did not win, the future of soccer is bright in the United States. You’ve proven to the world that The Game Is In You, and that The Game Is In US.
Thank you for all that you’ve done.
Sincerely,
Sunil Gulati
President
U.S. Soccer
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“And if you have billions and are willing to bribe committee members, we’d like to talk to you about our 2026 bid.”
Boycott the 2022 World Cup! Qatar might be a US ally, but they have a terrible record on human rights. They also don’t let you drink alcohol in most places/circumstances. That is a crime in itself!
I appreciate the fact that FIFA is working hard on moving the World Cup around the world to places where it hasn’t been before. I like the idea. I think Russia is a great footballing country that probably deserves to have the WC, but Qatar winning over us is just unfair. The USA Bid Committee has done a FABULOUS job in promoting and energizing fans! They will only get better. (I don’t even want to comment on the fraud issues at the FIFA level, arghhh)
Needless to say, we shouldn’t be too disappointed because there’s just no way FIFA can ignore the North American scene. Secondly, MLS is quickly becoming a top-notch league with fans around the world. Now we have a D2 league that’ll hopefully grow similarly. Canada, right next door is also growing in the sport, while Mexico is continuing to develop an already established tradition.
Let’s start working on 2026. I believe that’s our best chance, anyhow. Of course, China and Australia are betting they have a great chance at 2026, however, after Russia & Qatar, it’ll be time again for the Western hemisphere. We are the best option, considering that Brazil is hosting 2014.
Let’s go USA 2026!
China and Australia are precluded from bidding on 2026. No confederation can bid for two consecutive cycles after hosting.
And thus, you are right in that the USA would likely have a good chance in 2026. 2026 can be North America, South America, and Africa. The only countries I can really see being capable of bidding in Africa are Egypt (had considered 2022) and South Africa. In North America, it’s USA and Mexico (Mexico had started the process this time round). And in South America, I think they’re more likely to put their eggs in the 2030 basket – 100-year anniversary of the first World Cup in Uruguay. Can’t imagine they’d pass up a bid in South America. Even if it’s not Uruguay, there’s Brazil and Argentina.
So if we move South America to 2030, that would leave USA, Mexico, Egypt, and South Africa, and maybe a few others in 2026.
Here’s to hoping…
Whats next, The Women world cup in in Iran. Screw you FIFA.
I wonder what the cost per vote was…
@WeatherManNx01 – solid contribution thanks for the insight