Considering the fact that 2018 will probably be hosted by Europe, what would be the best choice or 2022? Looks like it will be in Asia (5 countries from AFC and 1 from Concacaf).

From Wikipedia:

Australia
http://www.australia2018-2022.com.au/

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/dc/Aus18-22bidlogo.jpg/180px-Aus18-22bidlogo.jpg

In September 2007, the Football Federation Australia confirmed that Australia would bid for the 2018 World Cup finals. Previously, in late May 2006, the Victorian sports minister, Justin Madden, said that he wanted his state to drive a bid to stage the 2018 World Cup. Frank Lowy, the FFA chairman, has stated that they are aiming to use 16 stadia for the bid. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the Federal Government's support for the bid,[ and in December 2008, Federal minister for sport Kate Ellis announced that the federal government would give the FFA $45.6 million to fund its World Cup bid preparation. Rudd met with Sepp Blatter to discuss the Commonwealth Government's support of the bid in Zurich in July 2009 At the 58th FIFA Congress, held in Sydney, FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested that Australia concentrate on hosting the 2022 tournament, but Lowy responded by recommitting Australia to its 2018 bid.

Previously, Australia has hosted several football tournaments. The FIFA U-20 World Cup has twice been held in Australia, in 1993 and 1981, while in 2000 Australia hosted the Olympic Football Tournament. Australia has also hosted the OFC Nations Cup twice (1998 and 2004). Australia has also enjoyed success hosting other major sporting events recently, with the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney, the 2003 Rugby World Cup, the 2006 Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne and the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. Australia is bidding to host the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.




Indonesia
http://www.wc2022indonesia.com/0809/admin/


Gelora Bung Karno Stadium hosted the final in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.In January 2009 the Football Association of Indonesia confirmed their intention to bid for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, with government support. In February 2009 the Football Association of Indonesia launched "Green World Cup Indonesia 2022" campaign. This campaign included a $1 billion plan to upgrade supporting infrastructure beside stadia to meet FIFA's requirements. The funds to construct stadia are to come from regional governments.

In the campaign presentation, Indonesian FA president, Nurdin Halid said he believed Indonesia stood a chance to win FIFA's approval to host the 2022 World Cup, despite the relatively poorer infrastructure, coupled with the low quality of the national squad compared to other candidates. He said Indonesia had proposed a "Green World Cup 2022", hoping to capitalize on the current green and global warming movement worldwide: "Our deforestation rate has contributed much to world pollution. By hosting the World Cup, we wish to build infrastructure and facilities that are environmentally friendly so we can give more to the planet."

Though its team is currently ranked 137 in the FIFA World Rankings, Indonesia has previously made World Cup history. It became the first Asian nation to play in a World Cup, at the 1938 tournament in France under its colonial name of the Dutch East Indies. Indonesia also has recent tournament hosting experience as the host of 2007 AFC Asian Cup.




Japan

Japan is bidding to become the first Asian country to host the World Cup twice, however the fact that they were co-hosts so recently in 2002 is expected to work against them in their bid. Although Japan does not currently have an 80,000-seat capacity stadium, it is banking on Tokyo winning the bid to host the 2016 Olympics, which will use a proposed 100,000-seat stadium as its showpiece. The Japan bid team is relying heavily on a successful Olympic bid for its World Cup bid. The Vice-President of the Japan Football Association, Junji Ogura, has admitted that if Tokyo fails in its bid, the chances of Japan hosting either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup are not very good. Japan has however won the rights to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup.



Qatar
http://www.qatar2022bid.com/

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/50/Qatar_2022_bid_logo.jpg/180px-Qatar_2022_bid_logo.jpg

Qatar, with a population of just over 1.3 million people, has made a bid for only the 2022 World Cup. Despite having a shortage of World-Cup-standard stadia and summer temperatures upwards of 40 degree Celsius, Qatar is attempting to become the first Arab nation to host the World Cup. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, son of the present Emir of Qatar, is the chairman of the bid committee. Qatar is planning to promote this bid as an Arab unity bid and hope to draw on support from the entire Arab world, and are positioning this as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the Arab and western worlds.

Working against the Qatar bid is the extreme temperature in the desert nation. The World Cup is always held in the summer months of June and July. During this period the average daytime high in most of Qatar is in excess of 40°C (104°F), the average daily low temperatures not dropping below 30°C (86°F). In response to this issue, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the 2022 Qatar bid chairman, has stated, "the event has to be organized in June or July. We will have to take the help of technology to counter the harsh weather. We have already set in motion the process. A stadium with controlled temperature is the answer to the problem. We have other plans up our sleeves as well."


South Korea


Like fellow 2002 co-host Japan, South Korea has entered the bidding process, albeit only for the 2022 World Cup. Although South Korea does not currently have an 80,000-seater capacity stadium, it could upgrade an existing venue to meet that capacity. There are three grounds which can seat over 60,000 people – Seoul Olympic Stadium, Seoul World Cup Stadium and Daegu Stadium, and other venues meet hosting requirements as they were built for the 2002 World Cup.



United States
http://www.gousabid.com/

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c7/US-2020Bid.jpg/180px-US-2020Bid.jpg


Main article: United States 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bid
U.S. Soccer said in February 2007 that it would put forth a bid for the 2018 World Cup. The United States previously hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which set financial, attendance, and average attendance records.[67] Almost every CONCACAF Gold Cup along with both the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women's World Cups were held in the country. The vice president of FIFA, Jack Warner, who is also the president of CONCACAF, originally said he would try to bring the World Cup back to the CONCACAF region. However, Warner also stated that he would prefer if the USSF changed their plans to make a bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In April 2009, American President Barack Obama wrote a letter to FIFA President Sepp Blatter in support of the American bid, and then met with him in July 2009.

On January 28, 2009, U.S. Soccer announced that it would submit simultaneous bids for the 2018 and 2022 Cups. David Downs, president of Univision Sports, is executive director of the bid. Other committee members include president of U.S. Soccer Sunil Gulati, U.S. Soccer chief executive officer Dan Flynn, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, and Phil Murphy, the former national finance chair for the Democratic National Committee. Initially, in April 2009, the U.S. identified 70 stadia in 50 communities as possible venues for the tournament, with 58 confirming their interest. The list of stadia was trimmed two months later to 45 in 37 communities, and in August 2009 was trimmed again to 32 stadiums in 27 communities. The bid relies mostly on large American football stadiums; the 32 venues still under consideration have an average capacity of 74,000, and only two seat less than 60,000.

After Africa and America, the games will probably be hosted by Asia or Europe. With Mexico´s withdraw, USA is the only country competing against Europe and Asia. The rules says if Europe gets 18, Asia and USA will battle for 22, if Asia gets 2018, Europe and USA will battle for 2022. Only if USA wins 2018, All countries from Europe and Asia will battle for 2022. Let´s pretend an European bid will take it in 2018. What should it be?

From wikipedia:

Belgium and the Netherlands
http://www.thebid.org/?lang=nl

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/54/Belgium_Netherlands_20182022bid.gif


Alain Courtois, a Belgian Member of Parliament, announced in October 2006 that a formal bid would be made on behalf of the three Benelux countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. In June 2007 the three countries launched their campaign not as a joint bid in the manner of the Korea-Japan World Cup in 2002, but emphasizing it as a common political organization. Luxembourg would not host any matches or automatically qualify for the finals in a successful Benelux bid, but would host a FIFA congress. Ultimately, in March 2009, Belgium and the Netherlands registered their intention to bid jointly.

A delegation led by the presidents of the Belgian and Dutch national football associations met FIFA president Sepp Blatter on November 14, 2007, officially announcing their interest in submitting a joint bid. On March 19, 2008 the delegation also met with UEFA President Michel Platini to convince him that it was a serious offer under one management. Afterwards they claimed to have impressed Platini, who supports the idea of getting the world cup to Europe. In 2009, Blatter suggested that joint bids would be rejected if a suitable individual bid was available. Another factor that is against the Benelux bid is the lack of a 80,000 capacity stadium to host the final. However, the city council of Rotterdam gave permission in March 2009 for development of a new stadium with a capacity of around 80,000 seats to be completed in time for the possible World Cup in 2018.

Belgian prime minister Yves Leterme met the mayor of the city of Brussels Freddy Thielemans and SNCB leader Jannie Haek to discuss plans for a new 60,000-seater stadium in Brussels, for which there are three possibilities: the first would be to renovate and expand the current King Baudouin Stadium, the second would be to build a new stadium on the Heysel, and the third would be to build one on the property of the SNCB in the municipality of Schaerbeek. As a whole, Leterme stated that Belgium should get 4 stadia with a capacity of 40,000 together with the new 60,000-seater stadium in Brussels. Euro 2000 was also jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. On June 23, former French football international Christian Karembeu was presented as official counselor for the joint bid.


http://www.thebid.org/images/logo_thebiddingnations.gif
The Holland Belgium Bid (http://www.thebid.org/?lang=nl)

STADIONS

http://i38.tinypic.com/xojz14.jpg

Nederland

HEERENVEEN - Abe Lenstra Stadion - 26.800

http://www.freewebs.com/ekonder21/sc%20Heerenveen%20Abe%20Lenstra.bmp

Expansion: The stadium wants to upgrade to 40 to 45.000 seats.

ENSCHEDE - De Grolsch Veste - 24.000

http://www.twentefans.nl/uploads/GrolschVeste.jpg

Expansion: The stadium wants 44.000 seats for the World Cup.

EINDHOVEN - Philips Stadion - 35.000

http://www.psv.nl/upload/63fa5916-288d-4dcd-8162-2fadcd47af83_1201092028735-PhilipsStadion468lucht.jpg

Expansion: The stadium is trying to find a way to expand to 42.000 seats.

AMSTERDAM - Amsterdam ArenA - 51.628

http://afca1900.web-log.nl/photos/uncategorized/2009/05/19/amsterdam_arena.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/14e8dj8.jpg

Expension: Amsterdam wants to expand the ArenA to approx. 80.000 seats.

ROTTERDAM - Nieuwe Kuip - 87.000(?)

http://www.feyenoordleven.nl/nieuwekuip7.jpg

Expans: This stadion has not been built yet.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

België

BRUGGE - Loppern Stadion(?) - 40.000

http://www.blue-army.com/files/imagecache/news_wide_image/files/Brugge2_19.jpg

Expanson: This stadium hasn't been built yet.

GENT - Arteveldestadion - 20.000

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/2487593.jpg

Expansion: This stadium is now u/c and will open in the season of 2010-2011.

ANTWERPEN - The Port of Antwerp Stadium - 25.000

http://www.sporza.be/polopoly_fs/1.391891!image/2795066195.jpg

Expansion: This stadium hasn't been built yet, but if it will it will have space over to expand to 45.000 seats.

GENK - Cristal Arena - 24.604

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/belgium/genk_fenix1.jpg

Expansion: If NL & BE will host the World Cup this stadium will get a facelift and probably expand to 45.000 seats.

BRUSSEL - Nieuw Stadion - 65.000

http://depts.washington.edu/registra/about/people/resources/noImageAvailable.jpg

Expansion: Brussels wants to expand the old stadium or built a new one.

LUIK - Nieuw Stadion - ??????

http://depts.washington.edu/registra/about/people/resources/noImageAvailable.jpg

Expansion: The club Standar wants a new stadium.

CHARLEROI - Nieuw Stadion - ???????

http://depts.washington.edu/registra/about/people/resources/noImageAvailable.jpg

Expansion: The club Sporting needs a new stadium.


England
www.england2018bid.com

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/10/England_20182022_biddinglogo.png/180px-England_20182022_biddinglogo.png


Main article: English 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bid
On October 31, 2007, The Football Association officially announced that it will bid to host the event. On April 24, 2008 England finalised a 63-page bid to host the 2018 World Cup, focusing on the development of football worldwide. On October 24, 2008 the Football Association named the Executive Board to prepare the bid: FA chairman Lord Triesman, Lord Mawhinney (chairman of the Football League), David Gill (chief executive of Manchester United), Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe, Simon Johnson, Sir Keith Mills (deputy Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games), Baroness Amos and Sir Martin Sorrell. On 27 January 2009, England officially submitted their bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Richard Caborn will lead England's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup after stepping down as Sports Minister.

The United Kingdom government is backing the England 2018 bid. In November 2005, then-Chancellor Gordon Brown and Sport Minister Tessa Jowell first announced that they were to investigate the possibility of bidding. That month, Adrian Bevington, the Football Association's Director of Communications, announced the support of the Government and the Treasury in the bid, but put off definite proposals. Brown reiterated his support for a bid in March 2006, before England's 2006 World Cup campaign, and again in May 2006. The UK government launched its official report on February 12, 2007, in which it was made clear that its support was for an England-only bid and that all games would be played at English grounds.

FIFA Officials have also expressed interest in an English bid. David Will, a vice-president of FIFA, noted England's World Cup proposal as early as May 2004.Franz Beckenbauer, leader of Germany's successful bid for the 2006 World Cup and a member of FIFA's Executive Committee, has twice publicly backed an English bid to host the World Cup, in January and July 2007. FIFA President Sepp Blatter has said he would welcome a 2018 bid from "the homeland of football." Blatter met Gordon Brown on October 24, 2007 to discuss the bid while paying a visit to England. England has previously hosted the 1966 World Cup and Euro '96, as well as previously bidding for the 2006 World Cup. Should England succeed, it would be the sixth nation to host the World Cup for a second time.

Sixteen cities from across England have put their names forward as potential venues for the World Cup. These cities are Birmingham, Bristol, Derby, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Nottingham, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Sunderland



Portugal and Spain



The President of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Gilberto Madail, proposed a joint bid with Spain in November 2007. The bid intent was confirmed by FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, on February 18, 2008.[56] However, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Angel Villar, announced in July 2008 that it was Spain's intention to submit an individual World Cup bid, and that positive contacts had already taken place with the government, through the secretary of sports, Jaime Lissavetzky. No specifications were made then regarding a joint bid with Portugal. On November 23, 2008, after his re-election for the RFEF presidency, Villar pledged that one of the fundamental objectives of his term would be to bring a World Cup to Spain. While he did not mention whether Spain would present a joint bid with Portugal, he did not rule it out when asked about it.


Spanish sports newspaper Marca advanced some details about the potential bid: Spain would lead a twelve-stadium project with eight of the venues, and the opening and final games would be held in Lisbon and Madrid, respectively. On December 23, 2008, Angel Villar restated "We need to present a strong, consistent and winning bid for the 2018 World Cup." He further confessed "Personally, I think it should be with Portugal." Subsequently, in the aftermath of a RFEF meeting board, Spain and Portugal announced their intention to bid together

Eight of the accredited five-star UEFA stadia are located in either Portugal or Spain, which is the most of any current European-based bid. Spain has previously hosted the 1982 World Cup, while Portugal organized the Euro 2004. If the Spanish-Portuguese joint bid succeeds, Spain would become the sixth nation to host the World Cup for a second time.


Russia
www.russia2018-2022.com

Russia has thrown its hat into the bidding war to host the 2018 World Cup as well. Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has taken a keen interest in the bid and has gone so far as ordering the Sports Minister to "prepare a bid for Russia to hold the 2018 World Cup". Russia hopes to have five stadia fit to host World Cup matches ready by 2013 – two in Moscow and one stadium each in St. Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi, which is due to host the 2014 Winter Olympics.

List (updated on 08.08.09) of Russian bid:

- Moscow (10,508,971)
- Moscow region (6,712,582)
- St. Petersburg (4,581,854)
- Nizhni Novgorod (1,280,355)
- Samara (1,135,318)
- Kazan (1,130,717)
- Rostov-on-Don (1,049,000)
- Volgograd (983,900)
- Krasnodar (709,735)
- Yaroslavl (605,200)
- Kaliningrad (421,678)
- Saransk (352,000)
- Sochi (334,282)

reserve:

- Ekaterinburg (1,335,000)

Some of the possible venues:

Moscow
http://a.imagehost.org/t/0670/001b74446187.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0670/001b74446187)http://a.imagehost.org/t/0480/019-uc9ka.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0480/019-uc9ka)

http://h.imagehost.org/t/0965/20.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0965/20)http://a.imagehost.org/t/0461/3a2010d22c3c.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0461/3a2010d22c3c)http://h.imagehost.org/t/0178/23.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0178/23)

http://h.imagehost.org/t/0141/5.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0141/5)http://h.imagehost.org/t/0571/1_6.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0571/1_6)http://h.imagehost.org/t/0041/2.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0041/2)

St. Petersburg
http://a.imagehost.org/t/0213/stadion_new_600.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0213/stadion_new_600)http://h.imagehost.org/t/0224/x_9b70bcb8.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0224/x_9b70bcb8)http://h.imagehost.org/t/0318/Zenit_11.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0318/Zenit_11)

Kazan
http://a.imagehost.org/t/0134/d9d275f36aa7.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0134/d9d275f36aa7)http://a.imagehost.org/t/0796/Kazan.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0796/Kazan)

Sochi
http://a.imagehost.org/t/0037/12441_1_sochi1big.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0037/12441_1_sochi1big)http://a.imagehost.org/t/0442/stadium1_10-01-2009_V81BQTDD_standalone_prod_affiliate_81.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0442/stadium1_10-01-2009_V81BQTDD_standalone_prod_affiliate_81)

DlDOxc30V6M
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/

http://i.imagehost.org/0929/2018.jpghttp://i.imagehost.org/0367/2018_2.jpg

NORTHERN CLUSTER
Kaliningrad (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/kaliningrad.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1291/Kaliningrad_Small.jpg
St. Petersburg (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/st-petersburg.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1319/SaintPet_Small.jpg

CENTRAL CLUSTER
Moscow (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/moscow.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1303/Moscow_Small.jpg
Podolsk (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/podolsk.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1311/Podolsk_Small.jpg

VOLGA CLUSTER
Kazan (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/kazan.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1295/Kazan_Small.jpg
Nizhny Novgorod (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/nizhny-novgorod.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1307/Nizhny_Small.jpg
Yaroslavl (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/yaroslavl.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1339/Yaroslavl_Small.jpg
Samara (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/samara.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1323/Samara_Small.jpg
Volgograd (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/volgograd.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1335/Volgograd_Small.jpg
Saransk (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/saransk.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1327/Saransk_Small.jpg

SOUTHERN CLUSTER
Krasnodar (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/krasnodar.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1299/Krasnodar_small.jpg
Rostov-on-Don (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/rostov-on-don.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1315/Rustov_Small.jpg
Sochi (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/sochi.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1331/Sochi_Small.jpg

EAST OF URAL
Ekaterinburg (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/yekaterinburg.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1343/Yekaterinburg_Small.jpg

http://www.championat.ru/photo/albums/10-09_russiawc2018_SA/10-09_russiawc2018_SA_20.jpg

England, obviously!

Using my 'once every 30 years maximum' policy: USA, Korea and Japan are all out.

Qatar would not be a good option IMO, so it's between Australia and Indonesia. It would benefitt Indonesia more than Australia but I don't think it will be developed enough by 2022. Could be wrong though.

Using my 'once every 30 years maximum' policy: USA, Korea and Japan are all out.

Qatar would not be a good option IMO, so it's between Australia and Indonesia. It would benefitt Indonesia more than Australia but I don't think it will be developed enough by 2022. Could be wrong though.

Yeah, even Blatter gave us a hint when said to Australia that they should focus on 2022 bid.

But I think USA will be a strong competitor if they loses Chicago 16.

Aussie Video!

ezCpmSZN_9g

Yeah, even Blatter gave us a hint when said to Australia that they should focus on 2022 bid.

But I think USA will be a strong competitor if they loses Chicago 16.

I'm not quite sure what Chicago's Olympics bid has to do with hosting the World Cup. Who wins the right to host the games in 2016 will not have an affect on who hosts the World Cup in 2022.

List (updated on 08.08.09) of Russian bid:

- Moscow (10,508,971)
- Moscow region (6,712,582)
- St. Petersburg (4,581,854)
- Nizhni Novgorod (1,280,355)
- Samara (1,135,318)
- Kazan (1,130,717)
- Rostov-on-Don (1,049,000)
- Volgograd (983,900)
- Krasnodar (709,735)
- Yaroslavl (605,200)
- Kaliningrad (421,678)
- Saransk (352,000)
- Sochi (334,282)

reserve:

- Ekaterinburg (1,335,000)

Some of the possible venues:

Moscow
http://a.imagehost.org/t/0670/001b74446187.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0670/001b74446187)http://a.imagehost.org/t/0480/019-uc9ka.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0480/019-uc9ka)

http://h.imagehost.org/t/0965/20.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0965/20)http://a.imagehost.org/t/0461/3a2010d22c3c.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0461/3a2010d22c3c)http://h.imagehost.org/t/0178/23.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0178/23)

http://h.imagehost.org/t/0141/5.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0141/5)http://h.imagehost.org/t/0571/1_6.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0571/1_6)http://h.imagehost.org/t/0041/2.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0041/2)

St. Petersburg
http://a.imagehost.org/t/0213/stadion_new_600.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0213/stadion_new_600)http://h.imagehost.org/t/0224/x_9b70bcb8.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0224/x_9b70bcb8)http://h.imagehost.org/t/0318/Zenit_11.jpg (http://h.imagehost.org/view/0318/Zenit_11)

Kazan
http://a.imagehost.org/t/0134/d9d275f36aa7.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0134/d9d275f36aa7)http://a.imagehost.org/t/0796/Kazan.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0796/Kazan)

Sochi
http://a.imagehost.org/t/0037/12441_1_sochi1big.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0037/12441_1_sochi1big)http://a.imagehost.org/t/0442/stadium1_10-01-2009_V81BQTDD_standalone_prod_affiliate_81.jpg (http://a.imagehost.org/view/0442/stadium1_10-01-2009_V81BQTDD_standalone_prod_affiliate_81)

DlDOxc30V6M

England ! :cheer::cheer::cheer:England !:cheer::cheer:England !:cheer:

Football is coming homeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

UrpT5ecmQSU

Australia have very good chances here.

Russia!!!!!

What's the point of this thread?

What's the point of this thread?

They should've made 2022 a seperate bidding process. This is just Blatter and his cronies wanting to extort bribes for two world cups as opposed to one before he leaves office or dies of old age.... which ever comes first.

It's set in stone...England 2018

2022 is between Australia or US, and England 2018 supporting the US

What's the point of this thread?

??? To know who should host the WC?

What's the point of this thread?

What is your problem with my threads??

Australia -- USA

What's the point of this thread?

To vote on who we think should get the 2018 WC?

It's between the USA and Australia.

And methinks that FIFA would rather wait until 2026 for Asia to host again and hope China bids that time..

USA wants to host the 2022 World cup? Knowing they are very good at lobbying, I think they'll use everyway to win.
Eveycountry does it : prensent its bid as the best and point others weakenesses (real or supposed)
So Americans will use the fact that Qatar is too hot ant that Indonesia has political instabilty. There also is a posisbility they use the "Muslim country" point and associate it with insecurity and terrorism to try to fragilize Qatari and Indonesian bids.

Iberian Bid, Spain&Portugal dudes! ;)

I think China should bid in 2026 as well.

What's the point of this thread?

People like to dream out loud...

Were playing for england {en-ger-land}
Were playing the song
Were singing for england {en-ger-land}
Arrivederci its one one one

Sorry, I like New Order

Iberia for sure. Great stadiums, cities, people, food and weather. No contest;).

ONLY RUSSIA!!!

Of all great football nations the Netherlands-Belgium (The Low Countries) bid is the only candidate that really deserves 2018. England got it's WC already in 1966 and Spain in 1982.

The Netherlands national football team is one of the best teams around (ranked 2nd on both FIFA and Elo-ranking), It won Euro 88 and reached two consecutive World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978 but lost both finals to their respective host nations, West Germany and Argentina. Wouldn't it be strange to be the only great football nation NOT to have organized a WC??

With a lot of new stadium development in both countries and their proven organisational skills (Euro 2000), it seems like a very logical choice to me....

I think this, it's the most fair

1994...North America UNITED STATES
1998...Europe FRANCE
2002...Asia KOREA & JAPAN
2006...Europe GERMANY
2010...Africa SOUTH AFRICA
2014...South America BRAZIL
2018...AsiaAUSTRALIA
2022...North America MEXICO, USA or CANADA
2026...EuropeRUSSIA or ENGLAND
2030...South America URUGUAY

And according to the thread, I don't think that Qatar and Indonesia could organize a World Cup, i'm not offend u but it's a little complicated cuz this countries are not "powerful" in soccer, so I dismiss them.

Japan and Korea...mmm I don't know, could be posible but Australia is the better option, inspite of Australia is officially in Asian federation, so, 2018 is for them, not for Europe, they gotta wait. 2022 I think CONCACAF deserve a WC because the last time was in 94 and my favorite candidate obviously is Mexico but I don't know, it would be great, the first country organizing a WC for third time!!!:lol: 2026 should be for Europe, 20 years after the last time in Germany, and I'd like Russia more than England, and 2030 unquestionably for Uruguay, celebrating 100 years of World Cups:banana:

Too hard to choose, all of the bids look great.

Russia would be a good choose, since it's a major european country and hasn't ever hosted the World Cup. England is the home of football and hasn't got it's second World Cup. Netherlands/Belgium and Portugal/Spain would be great bids also, but I don't see they winning, since FIFA doesn't like joint bids.

Would definitely go for Australia, it's a country where football is rising, and Oceania is the only continent which hasn't hosted a World Cup (even though Australia is a member of the AFC), i think it's a perfect choice.

USA has also big chances, even though they already got a Cup.

Japan and South Korea I don't think are serious contenders, come on, they just hosted one in 2002. Catar is a small country, they should concentrate on the Olympics, or perhaps make a joint bid with UAE. And Indonesia, don't know, maybe more in the future.

I'm still shocked that China didn't bid. They'd be my favourite to get 2022 if they'd submited a bid

I'm still shocked that China didn't bid. They'd be my favourite to get 2022 if they'd submited a bid

They agreed to bid either on the World Cup or the Winter Olympics and chose the Winter Olympics. I think that FIFA will essentially ignore Asian bids for 2018 and 2022 because they want to go to China in 2026. The question is whether Australia is considered Oceania or Asia.

Since the US lost the right to host the 2016 Olympic Games i think the games are going to come back in 2022

I think that with the rising popularity of soccer in the US, I think that the US has a strong chance of winning in 2022. If that's the case, the final should be at either the Rose Bowl or the LA Coliseum in Los Angeles. They are both the spritual home of American soccer.

I think that with the rising popularity of soccer in the US, I think that the US has a strong chance of winning in 2022. If that's the case, the final should be at either the Rose Bowl or the LA Coliseum in Los Angeles. They are both the spritual home of American soccer.

Neither comes near the standard of a World Cup stadium and neither has any source of funds for the massive renovations it would take to bring them up to standard. If the stadium in Industry is built, it will hold the matches in Los Angeles. While the Rose Bowl and Coliseum are nice emotionally, structurally they fall well short.

I think if the US does get the bid, New York will likely host the final, with DC having a chance to do so if Daniel Snyder gets his new stadum.

^^

That's not entirely correct. Blatter stated that he didn't liked an organisation like Japan/South-Korea back in 2002, which were indeed two separate organisations.

If an organisation presents itself as one political organisation (like the Netherlands-Belgium bid), it will be considered as one country, as Blatter said.

Also mention that the distances between major cities, language differences (both Dutch speaking countries) and cultural differences are all very small. Even political it's sometimes considered as one nation; the BeNeLux.

It's set in stone...England 2018

I agree

i voted australia

They agreed to bid either on the World Cup or the Winter Olympics and chose the Winter Olympics. I think that FIFA will essentially ignore Asian bids for 2018 and 2022 because they want to go to China in 2026. The question is whether Australia is considered Oceania or Asia.

Interesting. First I've heard of that

They agreed to bid either on the World Cup or the Winter Olympics and chose the Winter Olympics. I think that FIFA will essentially ignore Asian bids for 2018 and 2022 because they want to go to China in 2026. The question is whether Australia is considered Oceania or Asia.

the problem with china is they really need to lift there game if they intend to bid for the world cup. they have only qualified once and they lost 3 out of 3 games, this I think shows a serious lack of interest of the game from a population of over 1,000,000,000. FIFA also cant wait for a Chinese bid for 2026 because they have no way of knowing who will bid when they are deciding on the host for 2022. However a bid from china would be extremely hard to ignore.

For those who are very sad and concerned about Chicago, WC is a sort of consolation.
Furthermore, Chicago is among the bidding cities and can't be ignored by FIFA.

http://nyunews.com/opinion/2009/oct/01/chamberlain/

I have a suggestion, win the 2022 world cup bid and one city will have more experiences for OG bid.

I think this, it's the most fair


2030...South America URUGUAY

And according to the thread, I don't think that Qatar and Indonesia could organize a World Cup, i'm not offend u but it's a little complicated cuz this countries are not "powerful" in soccer, so I dismiss them.

Japan and Korea...mmm I don't know, could be posible but Australia is the better option, inspite of Australia is officially in Asian federation, so, 2018 is for them, not for Europe, they gotta wait. 2022 I think CONCACAF deserve a WC because the last time was in 94 and my favorite candidate obviously is Mexico but I don't know, it would be great, the first country organizing a WC for third time!!!:lol: 2026 should be for Europe, 20 years after the last time in Germany, and I'd like Russia more than England, and 2030 unquestionably for Uruguay, celebrating 100 years of World Cups:banana:

is uruguay large enough for a world cup?

I understand your pride about celebrating the 100 years of world cup.
However, Uruguay has not many stadiums to host 32 teams, is a small country and may not have enough money to realize it.

As for me,

2018: UEFA (England or Spain)
2022: CONCACAF (only USA)
2026: AFC (China or Australia)
2030: UEFA (England or Spain)

I'm still shocked that China didn't bid. They'd be my favourite to get 2022 if they'd submited a bid

I'm really glad they didn't lol.

I know for a fact that China would easily win the bid for 2022.

Without China, the USA has a great chance to win it. :)

There is a huge campaign for Uruguay to host 2030, but it's a small country indeed. Current speculations are saying about a joint Uruguay/Argentina for 2030, with Montevideu having the final.

How a country like Qatar will host it? It´s too small!! they would need at least 9 large stadiums..

There is a huge campaign for Uruguay to host 2030, but it's a small country indeed. Current speculations are saying about a joint Uruguay/Argentina for 2030, with Montevideu having the final.

I don't see how that makes sense for Argentina. With work, they are capable of hosting the WC alone and I'd think that they would look to see if they could do it themselves before bringing Uruguay along. Brazil has 2014, but after trips to Europe, Asia, North America and back to Europe, I think that Argentina would stand a good chance on their own in 2034.

This to me is fair

2010 - Africa
2014 - South America
2018 - Europe
2022 - Asia /Pacific
2026 - North America
2030 - Africa
2034 - South America

Now that is FAIR, not wishful thinking

This to me is fair

2010 - Africa
2014 - South America
2018 - Europe
2022 - Asia /Pacific
2026 - North America
2030 - Africa
2034 - South America

Now that is FAIR, not wishful thinking

Why is it fair to make Asia/Pacific wait only 20 years to get the WC again, while North America must wait 32?

I think that Australia could easily host the WC. A lot of Aussies would attend the games for atmosphere and perhaps take up a liking for the sport which is in dire need for supporters in the region.

As a country, we've successfully held the only two Olympic Games in the Southern Hemisphere, four Commonwealth Games, and the Rugby World Cup twice. Proving we're more than adequate of hosting such a prestigious event.

I think that Australia could easily host the WC. A lot of Aussies would attend the games for atmosphere and perhaps take up a liking for the sport which is in dire need for supporters in the region.

As a country, we've successfully held the only two Olympic Games in the Southern Hemisphere, four Commonwealth Games, and the Rugby World Cup twice. Proving we're more than adequate of hosting such a prestigious event.

Australia is capable, but they have two things working against them.

1) They can no longer lay claim to the fact that Oceania has never hosted. They are Asia now and as a result, are in direct competition with other Asian nations. Should Australia not get 2018/2022, they will likely have to compete with China, which would be an uphill climb for the Aussies.

2) Australia must build many stadiums and convince FIFA that the oval stadiums are not too bad. There is a lot of work to be done if the Aussies are to host a World Cup.

They are issues that can be overcome, but it presents obstacles for an Australian bid.

Australia is capable, but they have two things working against them.

1) They can no longer lay claim to the fact that Oceania has never hosted. They are Asia now and as a result, are in direct competition with other Asian nations. Should Australia not get 2018/2022, they will likely have to compete with China, which would be an uphill climb for the Aussies.

2) Australia must build many stadiums and convince FIFA that the oval stadiums are not too bad. There is a lot of work to be done if the Aussies are to host a World Cup.

They are issues that can be overcome, but it presents obstacles for an Australian bid.

^^ For sure. If we do win either 2018 or 2022 our Gov't would inject a hell of a lot of money into building the necessary infrastructure to host the WC. It's no good that we're considered a part of Asia but perhaps the committee would see through that and realise that we are an island continent of our own. Wishful thinking?

As for the Oval Stadiums. :bash: gah

We might even get to see ANZ Stadium with the stands coming out the sides (Not sure of correct terminology...)

http://www.stadiumdb.com/images/stadiums/oceania/australia/sydney/anz-stadium.jpg

2018.
England - reason: Two WC's before 2018. are held out of Europe, 2010. Africa and 2014. Brazil. So England is winner. Russia dont have any chance, distances between cities are huge, and it would be stupid to have three-four stadiums in Moscow.

2022.
USA/Australia - reason: Australia is growing football nation, and USA is too, they have money and they have infrastructure, and Australia is in better position because that part of world never had World Cup. And other countries dont have chance.
Qatar - funny and REALLY not serious (they have like four cities total, total capacity of stadium would be bigger than countries population, and who would play football under 40 degrees Celsius - but I don't have anything against Qatar as country, only I am against their bid - would be better to bid for Basketball world cup).
Indonesia - not yet, not before 2034.
Japan - held WC 20 years ago.
Korea - as like as Japan.

Why is it fair to make Asia/Pacific wait only 20 years to get the WC again, while North America must wait 32?

1. Asia has many more countries capable of hosting.

2. AFC population is more than 2,000,000,000 more than CONCACAF

3. The only country now bidding in North America is the USA which hosted recently where as all the bids in asia have never hosted before.

4. European/South american cups time coinside quite well with tv viewing in north america.

What are the average distances of the russian venues?
And what about the infrastructure in Russia? Will they have high speed trains linking the host cities?
I would prefer a compact country with short distances, for me
1 England
2 NL/Belgium

2018.
England - reason: Two WC's before 2018. are held out of Europe, 2010. Africa and 2014. Brazil. So England is winner. Russia dont have any chance, distances between cities are huge, and it would be stupid to have three-four stadiums in Moscow.
Distances are not so big if you will look at the map and compare with Brasil for example. And (!) teams of one group will be played in "clusters", where distances even less. Moscow will have 2 stadiums. So writing about that as problems is stupid. Russian bidding committee will solve this problem just building high-speed train roads. It's already exist between Moscow and St.Petersburg (now it's 3,5 hours and 230 km/h, will be 350 km/h). I just wanna say that these are not problems for professionals.

What are the average distances of the russian venues?
And what about the infrastructure in Russia? Will they have high speed trains linking the host cities?
I would prefer a compact country with short distances, for me
1 England
2 NL/Belgium

Teams on group round will play in clusters:

North-West: Kaliningrad, St. Petersburg - 820 km;
Central: Moscow, Podolsk (Moscow Region) - 37 km;
Volga: Yaroslavl, Nizhni Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Saransk, Volgograd - 285, 330, 290, 350, 615 km;
South: Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Sochi - 250, 170 km.
So, 1-3 hours on high-speed train.

To campare - distance between Warsaw and Kiev - 685 km (EURO 2012). Manaus - Cuiabá - 1470 km, Brasilia - Rio - 900 km (Brasil 2014).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/UEFA_Euro_2012_en.svg/300px-UEFA_Euro_2012_en.svg.png

http://www.castelinho38.com/blogger/uploaded_images/cidades-copa-2014-brasil-765341.jpg

Holland and belgium, because we really deserve it!

http://h.imagehost.org/0467/Map.jpg

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=101557723273553281824.0004750977cfb4ca790a2&ll=51.013755,24.433594&spn=41.043185,78.925781&z=4

Of all great football nations the Netherlands-Belgium (The Low Countries) bid is the only candidate that really deserves 2018. England got it's WC already in 1966 and Spain in 1982.

The Netherlands national football team is one of the best teams around (ranked 2nd on both FIFA and Elo-ranking), It won Euro 88 and reached two consecutive World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978 but lost both finals to their respective host nations, West Germany and Argentina. Wouldn't it be strange to be the only great football nation NOT to have organized a WC??

With a lot of new stadium development in both countries and their proven organisational skills (Euro 2000), it seems like a very logical choice to me....

Netherlands' style of football is irrelevant. England could just as easily say that they deserve to host World Cup 2018 because of all the things that they have contributed to the game (including having given the game to the world!). But that would also be irrelevant.

As to England having already hosted the World Cup before, that won't count against them. After all, Italy (1934 & 1990), France (1938 & 1998), Brazil (1950 & 2014), Mexico (1970 & 1986) and Germany (1974 & 2006) will all have hosted two World Cups by 2018.

So why not England?

In 2018, it will have been 52 years since England last hosted the World Cup. By then, the vast majority of England's population won't have been alive in 1966 or they will, like me (six months old at the time!), have been too young to have been aware that there was a World Cup. So hosting the World Cup in 2018 will be every bit as much a new experience for us as it will for the people of Holland and Belgium if they win the right to be hosts.

So the decision will come down purely to the quality of all the European bids (including Russia and Iberia) and how well each of the bidding countries plays the political game.

Teams on group round will play in clusters:

North-West: Kaliningrad, St. Petersburg - 820 km;
Central: Moscow, Podolsk (Moscow Region) - 37 km;
Volga: Yaroslavl, Nizhni Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Saransk, Volgograd - 285, 330, 290, 350, 615 km;
South: Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Sochi - 250, 170 km.
So, 1-3 hours on high-speed train.

To campare - distance between Warsaw and Kiev - 685 km (EURO 2012). Manaus - Cuiabá - 1470 km, Brasilia - Rio - 900 km (Brasil 2014).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/UEFA_Euro_2012_en.svg/300px-UEFA_Euro_2012_en.svg.png

http://www.castelinho38.com/blogger/uploaded_images/cidades-copa-2014-brasil-765341.jpg


Kalingrad will host it?? That is very interesting! A city that is part of a Russia enclave. I liked it!! BTW, it will be the closest western europe host city.

....

For me will it always be:

2018: Europe
2022: Asia/Pacific
2024: South America
2028: Africa
2032: Europe
2036: North America
2040: South America
2044: Asia/Pacif
2048: Europe


But I dont belive that this rotation policy will remain much longger.. When Blater leaves the FIFA presidency, I think will be again all bids from anywhere.

I'm from Portugal but England 2018.

2022.

Qatar - funny and REALLY not serious (they have like four cities total, total capacity of stadium would be bigger than countries population, and who would play football under 40 degrees Celsius - but I don't have anything against Qatar as country, only I am against their bid - would be better to bid for Basketball world cup).
.

I feel the same way about it. But I think Qatar could bid as a join bid with other Arab Small Countries like UAE, Bahrein, Kwait, Oman and maybe even Saudi Arabia. Host Cities would be:

UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Oman: Mascat
Qatar: Doha
Bahrein: Manama
Kuwait: Kuwait
Saudi Arabia: Riyad, Jiddah

Australia 2022!

For me will it always be:

2018: Europe
2022: Asia/Pacific
2024: South America
2028: Africa
2032: Europe
2036: North America
2040: South America
2044: Asia/Pacif
2048: Europe


Your years are a bit off. It seems silly to give Africa some so close together when North America will not have had it in forever. I think it should be:
2014: South America (Brazil)
2018: Europe (England)
2022: Asia/Pacific (Australia)
2026: North America (Mexico)
2030: South America
2034: Europe
2038: Asia
2042: Africa

Kalingrad will host it?? That is very interesting! A city that is part of a Russia enclave. I liked it!! BTW, it will be the closest western europe host city.

Exclave actually lol.

Just read it on wiki a couple of days ago.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enclave

The new site is on!!

http://www.qatar2022bid.com/

Your years are a bit off. It seems silly to give Africa some so close together when North America will not have had it in forever. I think it should be:
2014: South America (Brazil)
2018: Europe (England)
2022: Asia/Pacific (Australia)
2026: North America (Mexico)
2030: South America
2034: Europe
2038: Asia
2042: Africa

Yes, I forgot.

2018: Europe
2022: Asia/Pacific
2026: South America
2030: North America
2034: Europe
2038: Africa
2042: South America
2046: Asia/Pacif
2050: Europe

Yes, I forgot.

2018: Europe
2022: Asia/Pacific
2026: South America
2030: North America
2034: Europe
2038: Africa
2042: South America
2046: Asia/Pacif
2050: Europe

2050, doesn't look like.. too early to think? :nuts:

Yes, I forgot.

2018: Europe
2022: Asia/Pacific
2026: South America
2030: North America
2034: Europe
2038: Africa
2042: South America
2046: Asia/Pacif
2050: Europe

Europe needs to host one of every three World Cups. Because of their influence in FIFA it will happen and because Europe accounts for nearly 1/3 of FIFA countries, it makes sense. Also, why would the World Cup go back to Asia 20 years after they last had it and to South American only 12 years later when North America is forced to wait 36 years?

I hate doing this kind of predictions.. I always miss somethng. My point: South America and Europe should host on of every three World Cups. Africa, North America and Asia/PAcif should host the other years.

For instance:

Europe
Asia
South America
Europe
North America
South America
Europe
Africa

Europe should definately host at least every third, South America not.
They have 4 or 5 nations in a WC, Europe has 13.

Some Pictures of Indonesian Stadium :)

Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/3574/sugbk.jpg (http://img246.imageshack.us/i/sugbk.jpg/)

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/8792/gelorabungkarnokfk.jpg (http://img57.imageshack.us/i/gelorabungkarnokfk.jpg/)

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/8089/gelorabungkarnostadiumi.jpg (http://img297.imageshack.us/i/gelorabungkarnostadiumi.jpg/)

Palaran Stadium, Samarinda City
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/838/dsc0017rl6.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn205/4wyn/PON%20Kaltim/StadionPalaranSamarinda-Kaltim.jpg


http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n347/ichan84/stadion7.jpg

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/4075/93621301nl2.jpg

Preparing to Host of Green World Cup 2022 - New Stadium

Gedebage Stadium, Bandung City
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z204/ADHYASA/Gedebage1.jpg

Taman BMW Stadium, Jakarta
http://www.iai-jakarta.org/gfx/galleries/34/1251890287.jpg

http://www.iai-jakarta.org/gfx/galleries/34/1251890516.jpg

http://www.iai-jakarta.org/gfx/galleries/34/1251890649.jpg

http://www.iai-jakarta.org/gfx/galleries/34/1251890804.jpg

http://www.iai-jakarta.org/gfx/galleries/38/1251940988.jpg

http://www.iai-jakarta.org/gfx/galleries/38/1251940953.jpg

http://www.iai-jakarta.org/gfx/galleries/38/1251940918.jpg

http://www.iai-jakarta.org/gfx/galleries/38/1251940854.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp215/sbyctzn/gbta.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp215/sbyctzn/gbtb.jpg

http://www.thebid.org/images/logo_thebiddingnations.gif
The Holland Belgium Bid (http://www.thebid.org/?lang=nl)

STADIONS

http://i38.tinypic.com/xojz14.jpg

Nederland

HEERENVEEN - Abe Lenstra Stadion - 26.800

http://www.freewebs.com/ekonder21/sc%20Heerenveen%20Abe%20Lenstra.bmp

Expansion: The stadium wants to upgrade to 40 to 45.000 seats.

ENSCHEDE - De Grolsch Veste - 24.000

http://www.twentefans.nl/uploads/GrolschVeste.jpg

Expansion: The stadium wants 44.000 seats for the World Cup.

EINDHOVEN - Philips Stadion - 35.000

http://www.psv.nl/upload/63fa5916-288d-4dcd-8162-2fadcd47af83_1201092028735-PhilipsStadion468lucht.jpg

Expansion: The stadium is trying to find a way to expand to 42.000 seats.

AMSTERDAM - Amsterdam ArenA - 51.628

http://afca1900.web-log.nl/photos/uncategorized/2009/05/19/amsterdam_arena.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/14e8dj8.jpg

Expension: Amsterdam wants to expand the ArenA to approx. 80.000 seats.

ROTTERDAM - Nieuwe Kuip - 87.000(?)

http://www.feyenoordleven.nl/nieuwekuip7.jpg

Expans: This stadion has not been built yet.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

België

BRUGGE - Loppern Stadion(?) - 40.000

http://www.blue-army.com/files/imagecache/news_wide_image/files/Brugge2_19.jpg

Expanson: This stadium hasn't been built yet.

GENT - Arteveldestadion - 20.000

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/2487593.jpg

Expansion: This stadium is now u/c and will open in the season of 2010-2011.

ANTWERPEN - The Port of Antwerp Stadium - 25.000

http://www.sporza.be/polopoly_fs/1.391891!image/2795066195.jpg

Expansion: This stadium hasn't been built yet, but if it will it will have space over to expand to 45.000 seats.

GENK - Cristal Arena - 24.604

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/belgium/genk_fenix1.jpg

Expansion: If NL & BE will host the World Cup this stadium will get a facelift and probably expand to 45.000 seats.

BRUSSEL - Nieuw Stadion - 65.000

http://depts.washington.edu/registra/about/people/resources/noImageAvailable.jpg

Expansion: Brussels wants to expand the old stadium or built a new one.

LUIK - Nieuw Stadion - ??????

http://depts.washington.edu/registra/about/people/resources/noImageAvailable.jpg

Expansion: The club Standar wants a new stadium.

CHARLEROI - Nieuw Stadion - ???????

http://depts.washington.edu/registra/about/people/resources/noImageAvailable.jpg

Expansion: The club Sporting needs a new stadium.

I hate doing this kind of predictions.. I always miss somethng. My point: South America and Europe should host on of every three World Cups. Africa, North America and Asia/PAcif should host the other years.


I agree that Europe should have it quite frequently, but South America has few teams and they've already hosted it many times. It's sort of like Rio's bid for the Olympics, spread the World Cup around to new(er) countries that haven't traditionally been huge football nations (including but not only the US). Europe and South America have been very successful and reliable at staging games, but I think they should give Asia, Africa, and N. America the WC a little bit more often.

I feel the same way about it. But I think Qatar could bid as a join bid with other Arab Small Countries like UAE, Bahrein, Kwait, Oman and maybe even Saudi Arabia. Host Cities would be:

UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Oman: Mascat
Qatar: Doha
Bahrein: Manama
Kuwait: Kuwait
Saudi Arabia: Riyad, Jiddah


That's the most ridiculous suggestion ever. None of those countries are footballing powers, and aren't guaranteed (or even likely for most of them) to qualify. FIFA isn't going to let a 6 way joint host bid and give away 6 places in the tournament to teams who would struggle to beat a fourth tier English league team. It would completely undermine the tournament, and be extremely bad for Asian football.

The biggest problem for the middle east is the temperature. Yes, the stadiums themselves might be temperature controlled but what everywhere else? Teams need to train everyday, are they going to build facilities for 32 teams to have access to grass pitch indoor facilities? The cost would be astronomical. FIFA won't want to expose players and fans to Qatar in June. During the games it might be fine, but that's only 90 minutes out of the day, what happens for the rest of the team? Do they expect players to just sit in their hotels?

Obviously, being English I want us to win the 2018 tournament. I think it is important that UEFA gets a tournament every 12 years as it's the centre of world football. South America has great players, but they all come to Europe in the end (most of them before they are even 22). It's also the only place where high quality stadiums are available in high enough numbers, but without ridiculous travel distances.

definitely Australia

I am making a projection about vote for 2022 world cup bids.
Each executive commitee member will have to vote.
I suppose the USA, Australia will make a possible final. It would be CONCACAF vs AFC.

Joseph S. BLATTER (Switzerland) : USA

Julio H. GRONDONA (Argentina ) : USA

Issa HAYATOU (Cameroon) : Australia

CHUNG Mong Joon (Korea Republic) : Australia

Jack A. WARNER (Trinidad and Tobago) : USA

Ángel María VILLAR LLONA (Spain) : USA

Michel PLATINI (France) : Australia

Reynald TEMARII (Tahiti) : Australia

Geoff THOMPSON (England) : USA

Michel D'HOOGHE (Belgium) : USA

Ricardo Terra TEIXEIRA (Brazil) : USA

Mohamed BIN HAMMAM (Qatar) : Australia

Senes ERZIK (Turkey) : USA

Chuck BLAZER (USA) : non voting

Worawi MAKUDI (Thailand) : Australia

Nicolás LEOZ (Paraguay) : USA

Junji OGURA (Japan) : Australia

Amos ADAMU (Nigeria) : USA

Marios LEFKARITIS (Cyprus) : USA

Jacques ANOUMA (Côte d'Ivoire) : USA

Franz BECKENBAUER (Germany) : Australia

Rafael SALGUERO (Guatemala) : USA

Hany ABO RIDA (Egypt) : USA

Vitaliy MUTKO (Russia) : Australia


If Australia stayed in OFC, it could be normal for them to organize a WC. However they went to AFC and it would do it after 20 years and CONCACAF would have to wait 32 years.
The objective of actual politic is to have a rotation between confederations.

This could be a first round for 2018 WC bids.

Joseph S. BLATTER (Switzerland) : England

Julio H. GRONDONA (Argentina ) : Spain/Portugal

Issa HAYATOU (Cameroon) : Spain/Portugal

CHUNG Mong Joon (Korea Republic) : England

Jack A. WARNER (Trinidad and Tobago) : England

Ángel María VILLAR LLONA (Spain) : non voting

Michel PLATINI (France) : Spain/Portugal

Reynald TEMARII (Tahiti) : England

Geoff THOMPSON (England) : non voting

Michel D'HOOGHE (Belgium) : non voting

Ricardo Terra TEIXEIRA (Brazil) : Spain/Portugal

Mohamed BIN HAMMAM (Qatar) : Russia

Senes ERZIK (Turkey) : England

Chuck BLAZER (USA) : England

Worawi MAKUDI (Thailand) : England

Nicolás LEOZ (Paraguay) : Spain/Portugal

Junji OGURA (Japan) : Belgium/Netherlands

Amos ADAMU (Nigeria) : England

Marios LEFKARITIS (Cyprus) : Russia

Jacques ANOUMA (Côte d'Ivoire) : England

Franz BECKENBAUER (Germany) : England

Rafael SALGUERO (Guatemala) : Spain/Portugal

Hany ABO RIDA (Egypt) : Russia

Vitaliy MUTKO (Russia) : non voting

^^

That's not entirely correct. Blatter stated that he didn't liked an organisation like Japan/South-Korea back in 2002, which were indeed two separate organisations.

If an organisation presents itself as one political organisation (like the Netherlands-Belgium bid), it will be considered as one country, as Blatter said.

Also mention that the distances between major cities, language differences (both Dutch speaking countries) and cultural differences are all very small. Even political it's sometimes considered as one nation; the BeNeLux.

i do give credit to the Benelux bid as they do seem like one organisation. however they still get 2 automatic qualification places, since they are 2 host nations. Thats the only downfall of the Benelux bid.

Meh the Netherlands wont need an automatic qualification, we can let the belgian have that one.
Organizationally belgium/netherlands will be very strong. Good public transport and small distances.

@californiajones, what do you base your predictions on?

Seems to be a fairly high proportion of 40-45K stadiums in the Benelux bid.

That might count against it.

England :cheers:.

We don't want to be Spain's maid.

Meh the Netherlands wont need an automatic qualification, we can let the belgian have that one.
Organizationally belgium/netherlands will be very strong. Good public transport and small distances.

@californiajones, what do you base your predictions on?

Michel Platini seems to prefer Spain/Portugal over England.
Sepp Blatter is not hot with coorganisations.
South americains members have special relations with Spain or Portugal.
Some national teams have some stars playing in Englad or Spain.
Beckhenbauer supports England.

This could be a first round for 2018 WC bids.

Joseph S. BLATTER (Switzerland) : England

Julio H. GRONDONA (Argentina ) : Spain/Portugal

Issa HAYATOU (Cameroon) : Spain/Portugal

CHUNG Mong Joon (Korea Republic) : England

Jack A. WARNER (Trinidad and Tobago) : England

Ángel María VILLAR LLONA (Spain) : non voting

Michel PLATINI (France) : Spain/Portugal

Reynald TEMARII (Tahiti) : England

Geoff THOMPSON (England) : non voting

Michel D'HOOGHE (Belgium) : non voting

Ricardo Terra TEIXEIRA (Brazil) : Spain/Portugal

Mohamed BIN HAMMAM (Qatar) : Russia

Senes ERZIK (Turkey) : England

Chuck BLAZER (USA) : England

Worawi MAKUDI (Thailand) : England

Nicolás LEOZ (Paraguay) : Spain/Portugal

Junji OGURA (Japan) : Belgium/Netherlands

Amos ADAMU (Nigeria) : England

Marios LEFKARITIS (Cyprus) : Russia

Jacques ANOUMA (Côte d'Ivoire) : England

Franz BECKENBAUER (Germany) : England

Rafael SALGUERO (Guatemala) : Spain/Portugal

Hany ABO RIDA (Egypt) : Russia

Vitaliy MUTKO (Russia) : non voting

We cant predict it, because even though is quite clear that 2018 will possible be in Europe, People still can vote for USA and AFC bids.

Like I've said before...I think FIFA would rather have China host the 2026 WC...

I got some inside information:

The FIFA is afraid of the hooliganculture in England, thats a big problem for there bid. Spain and Portugal are 2 seperated organisations, just like South-Korea and Japan. The also don't like that idea. The Netherlands and Belgium got some good advantages (1 organisation, great transport, small distances), but don't have extrodonary stadiums.

It's going to be interesting!

The Netherlands and Belgium got some good advantages (1 organisation, great transport, small distances), but don't have extrodonary stadiums.



But, the stadiums are very modern and safe (some even brand new, like the New Kuip).

And don't forget the proposed new stadium of FC Utrecht, which will be a 44.000 seater probably (very recent information).

It makes a total of 6 suitable WC stadiums in the Netherlands.

^^

At this time there are 8 WC stadium plans in 6 different cities. In Rotterdam the old Kuip has been proposed to use, and in Amsterdam a temporary enlargement (also for other events such as the EC athletics) of the Olympic Stadium (22.288 seats now) has been proposed.

If Russia has it and uses "kaliningrad", I sure hope Germany meets them there and crushes them!
And the german fans will go "Königsberg, Königsberg, Königsberg!

:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: ;) ;) ;)

If Russia has it and uses "kaliningrad", I sure hope Germany meets them there and crushes them!
And the german fans will go "Königsberg, Königsberg, Königsberg!

:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: ;) ;) ;)

Germans would be too late :) I think the best city for Germany to play games on group stage will be Volgograd (Stalingrad). Though it's not funny.

I got some inside information:

The FIFA is afraid of the hooliganculture in England, thats a big problem for there bid. Spain and Portugal are 2 seperated organisations, just like South-Korea and Japan. The also don't like that idea. The Netherlands and Belgium got some good advantages (1 organisation, great transport, small distances), but don't have extrodonary stadiums.

It's going to be interesting!

Inside information? Who are you? I could have made that lot up off the top of my head.

England doesn't have a problem with hooliganism, and certainly compared to places like Poland/Ukraine, who've just been awarded 2012, it's nothing.

The last incident was at the West Ham v Millwall match, and other Europeans who saw that said that that wasn't hooliganism compared to what they see in their own countries now.

England has one of, if not the safest matchday experiences in Europe. Why do you think the Italians are looking to the British policing/stewarding/stadium model for reforming their own game?

Inside information? Who are you? I could have made that lot up off the top of my head.

England doesn't have a problem with hooliganism, and certainly compared to places like Poland/Ukraine, who've just been awarded 2012, it's nothing.

The last incident was at the West Ham v Millwall match, and other Europeans who saw that said that that wasn't hooliganism compared to what they see in their own countries now.

England has one of, if not the safest matchday experiences in Europe. Why do you think the Italians are looking to the British policing/stewarding/stadium model for reforming their own game?

Exactly.

It's not as if hooliganism is unheard of in Holland either. Feyenoord v Ajax always leads to some trouble.

But, the stadiums are very modern and safe (some even brand new, like the New Kuip).

And don't forget the proposed new stadium of FC Utrecht, which will be a 44.000 seater probably (very recent information).

It makes a total of 6 suitable WC stadiums in the Netherlands.

I don't doubt that all the Benelux stadiums will be of an excellent quality. But there's no getting away from the fact that all but four or five of them will be in the 40-45K range - which is at the smaller end of the allowable scale.

Contrast to Iberia - where only three or four stadiums will be in the 40-45K range, with the rest ranging from 50K to 100K.

....or England - where only four or five stadia will be in the 40-45K range, with the remainder ranging from 50K to 90K.

I don't know enough yet about Russia's stadiums to be able to say how they compare.

Stadium size alone won't be a deal-breaker as far as FIFA is concerned but, given the size disadvantage, the Benelux bid will have to be far stronger than the other European bids in most other respects in order to stand a chance of winning the vote.

Either that, or the Benelux bid team will have to play an outstanding political game.

That's the most ridiculous suggestion ever. None of those countries are footballing powers, and aren't guaranteed (or even likely for most of them) to qualify. FIFA isn't going to let a 6 way joint host bid and give away 6 places in the tournament to teams who would struggle to beat a fourth tier English league team. It would completely undermine the tournament, and be extremely bad for Asian football.

The biggest problem for the middle east is the temperature. Yes, the stadiums themselves might be temperature controlled but what everywhere else? Teams need to train everyday, are they going to build facilities for 32 teams to have access to grass pitch indoor facilities? The cost would be astronomical. FIFA won't want to expose players and fans to Qatar in June. During the games it might be fine, but that's only 90 minutes out of the day, what happens for the rest of the team? Do they expect players to just sit in their hotels?

Obviously, being English I want us to win the 2018 tournament. I think it is important that UEFA gets a tournament every 12 years as it's the centre of world football. South America has great players, but they all come to Europe in the end (most of them before they are even 22). It's also the only place where high quality stadiums are available in high enough numbers, but without ridiculous travel distances.

You don´t have to be rude!! I just said that Qatar alone is completly impossible to host it. But I dont see why in future FIFA wont consider a 4-6 joint bid. UEFA already did with Scandinavian bid fr UEFA and Asia Cup was hosted by 4 countries. They don´t need necessarily be automatic qualified. We could have a main Host, like Saudi Arabia and the others countries only taking part as host. But anyone, I was just saying that Qatar alone is not viable. They will host ASian CUp 2011 though.

I got some inside information:

The FIFA is afraid of the hooliganculture in England, thats a big problem for there bid. Spain and Portugal are 2 seperated organisations, just like South-Korea and Japan. The also don't like that idea. The Netherlands and Belgium got some good advantages (1 organisation, great transport, small distances), but don't have extrodonary stadiums.

It's going to be interesting!

Absolute rubbish.

The West Ham v Millwall incident was nothing compared to what happens in Europe much more often. In the Netherlands Feyenoord v Ajax attracts far more trouble than anything in England. Even in Spain I'd say there were more problems than in England, Atletico Madrid received a two game stadium ban and were fined over racist abuse and violence against Marseille a couple of years ago.

As someone else said, England is the safest place in the world to watch a football match.

You don´t have to be rude!! I just said that Qatar alone is completly impossible to host it. But I dont see why in future FIFA wont consider a 4-6 joint bid. UEFA already did with Scandinavian bid fr UEFA and Asia Cup was hosted by 4 countries. They don´t need necessarily be automatic qualified. We could have a main Host, like Saudi Arabia and the others countries only taking part as host. But anyone, I was just saying that Qatar alone is not viable. They will host ASian CUp 2011 though.

I didn't think I was being rude? Just giving my honest appraisal of the situation.

England should get it in 2018. They have the best stadiums in Europe and guarenteed huge interest which means sell-outs even for modest group games. They could be undone by the anti-British sentiment in Europe and by the plethora of other events in Britain (London Olympics 2012, Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014, Rugby World Cup 2015)

Spain/Portugal is a strong bid but why is it a joint one. Surely Spain could go alone. They have big stadiums, big support and a strong national team. Why do they need Portugal?

I just can't see the World Cup in the Belgium and the Netherlands. They're too small (even combined) and most of their domestic teams do not merit building 40,000-plus stadiums that will never be full after the event. Plus there are no strong financial or political reasons to go there.

Russia has big plans and big stadiums. Plus, Putin will probably threaten to turn off Eastern Europe's gas supply if they don't vote for Russia. However, the vast distances between venues and Russia's lack of press freedom might be off-putting to people not directly affected by Russia's energy policy.

I've written this before on other threads and I'll write it again. Hooliganism has no bearing on the choice of hosts for major football tournaments. If it did then Euro 2012 wouldn't be in Poland and the Ukraine (or anywhere else in Eastern Europe). The 2005 Champions League Final wouldn't have been in Istanbul or the 2009 Final in Rome.

I'm hoping to Indonesia, its people like football, is a country that is growing, the crown would come in good time

Like I've said before...I think FIFA would rather have China host the 2026 WC...

Ding, ding, ding. I've said it a few times before, but I think Australia, who needs work to host, but could do a fantastic job, will lose their chance at hosting soon because of their move to AFC.

I think 2018 is earmarked to England. The only thing that could have it go anywhere else is a major, major hooliganism episode and Millwall/West Ham is not close to large enough. Because there is no indication of something like that happening, England takes 2018.

I think FIFA desperately wants a China hosted World Cup. They would have loved for them to bid for 2022, but they chose a Winter Olympics bid instead. A 2026 bid is likely though and FIFA knows it. They will want to keep 2026 open for China, which means another Asian nation, to which Australia now belongs, will be ruled out for 2022 because they really cannot return to Asia for consecutive World Cups.

As a result, I think the US will get the 2022 World Cup without much of a challenge. Indonesia isn't much of a threat IMO. I think they're doing well to upgrade their infrastructure and coul have nice stadiums, but I think it's too much for them to do by 2022, plus it's close to China, which could deter some. I don't see another European World Cup in 2022 so Africa is the only other option and I doubt FIFA will seriously consider another African bid until they can fully evaluate 2010.

Europe needs to host one of every three World Cups. Because of their influence in FIFA it will happen and because Europe accounts for nearly 1/3 of FIFA countries, it makes sense. Also, why would the World Cup go back to Asia 20 years after they last had it and to South American only 12 years later when North America is forced to wait 36 years?

Canadians do not like football, Americans prefer other sports, the Mexicans are divided in South America, all are fanatics about football, until now Venezuela, this turning to this magnificent sport!:cheers:

It's not as if hooliganism is unheard of in Holland either. Feyenoord v Ajax always leads to some trouble.

Yeah well, Feynoord will not play against Ajax during the WC ;) The hooliganism in England is a bit worse.

Fuck England...............

2018 World CUP Belgium and the Netherlands period!

They will have the best bid! And that´s what its all about!

Go Russia!
I love Russia, the Russian girls and vodka, but I think England won the cup in 2018:(

Here's what I think many people overlook. Just how good of a job England could do hosting the World Cup. People like to talk about the English football, history, how long it has been since they hosted and their stadia. All true and all convincing, but to me, I think of it as a country that could top what Germany did in 2006, which was spectacular.

The size of the country makes it condusive to hosting a World Cup. It is very easy to get anywhere in the country and the rail system, which already does a good job, should be upgraded by 2018. It would make travel from city to city very easy. The airports there are top notch and with it being a European nation, you can bet that there will be floods of visitors in the country, making for great fun. The accommodations are already there and it's a desirable place to visit. The weather, which not cold, doesn't get too hot, making for good football and the support from the English, as well as all the visiting countries would be fantastic because of the sheer numbers. Oh yeah, the stadia, which are already good, would be upgraded.

I think people know what England has to offer, but don't really think about it all. When you do, I think you're thinking about the best World Cup to date. England would do a tremendous job, plus they still have all that history and waiting too.

Canadians do not like football, Americans prefer other sports, the Mexicans are divided in South America, all are fanatics about football, until now Venezuela, this turning to this magnificent sport!:cheers:

Brazil was chosen as the 2014 World Cup host basically without any competition, partly because the rest of the South American countries couldn't manage to host such an event. Argentina could probably host as well, but there are countries in South America that either are too small, do not have a stable enough economy or stable enough government for FIFA to commit to. How many South American countries can really host?

Also, Canada does like football. Toronto FC is one of MLS' flagship franchises, Vancouver will be welcomed to the league soon, Montreal will likely get a franchise soon and they are already one of the best supported USL sides. Toss in that the 2007 U-20 World Cup, hosted by Canada, is the best attended youth World Cup in history and I do not understand why it would be assumed that they don't like football. Stadium improvements need to be made, but Canada could host a World Cup and I could certainly imagine Mexico doing so again in the future.

I'm not advocating that North America host every three or four World Cups, but South America has how many countries that could conceivably host? I can't imagine it being more than four, only one more than North America.

Plus, Putin will probably threaten to turn off Eastern Europe's gas supply if they don't vote for Russia. However, the vast distances between venues and Russia's lack of press freedom might be off-putting to people not directly affected by Russia's energy policy
OMG victim of media propaganda.. For all 35 years of gas supply to Europe, Russia NEVER cut gas transit to Europe, even during risky moments in Cold War. In january 2009 Ukraine (US puppet Ushenko) cut transit (documented by EU observers and SGS company), so Europe freezed. At the same time, Georgia cut RUSSIAN gas to South Ossetia since august DURING MORE THAN A YEAR, and of course no one media source mentioned it, because Georgia is painted as "democracy". Typical media propaganda. This theme is huge, I can write you hundreds of facts what Russia is doing for safety of European consumers, but the problem is that US doing all (even placing puppets in transit countries) to blackmail and discredit Russia. Why do you think we are paying billions $ on building Nord Stream (directly from Russia to Germany without any transit countries), Blue Stream, South Stream? For diversification of gas supply and to prevent such conflicts like Ukraine cut of transit. It's just incredible how people are misinformed, media doing great job in this. Every person, who at least know SOME of these facts, realise that Russia is doing all for safety of gas supply, but some busturds like Ushenko with help of media creating problems for it and misinforming people. Because US don't need normal cooperation between Europe and Russia. The same with so-called "lack of press freedom". In august 2008 only Russian "controlled" media reported truth about Georgian attack. And only now this truth is opening (EU report) and what a surprise.. Everything was truth, and it was Mass Media which totally misinformed people, and even didn't appologise for this lies. This is a direct propaganda campaign against Russia. Just because we have biggest natural resources, and US elite have their usual tactic - to steal resources under pretext of "spreading democracy", which in the end only killing civillians..

And such misinformed people like you only helping them. Like "people from cave" who know nothing about world, except media lies.

vast distances between venues
Another example of misinformation. Or maybe you just don't want to know some information? Just look at the map on page 2. Damn, ignorance is a real, very big barrier to common sense..

@ ryebreadraz. Great post. I like you. :bow:

Inside information? Who are you? I could have made that lot up off the top of my head.

England doesn't have a problem with hooliganism, and certainly compared to places like Poland/Ukraine, who've just been awarded 2012, it's nothing.

The last incident was at the West Ham v Millwall match, and other Europeans who saw that said that that wasn't hooliganism compared to what they see in their own countries now.

England has one of, if not the safest matchday experiences in Europe. Why do you think the Italians are looking to the British policing/stewarding/stadium model for reforming their own game?

I'm a privat driver for a very influence person in the soccerworld. Can't say anymore ofcourse.
I don't give my opinion about the situation, I only tell you guy's what I know.

Brazil was chosen as the 2014 World Cup host basically without any competition, partly because the rest of the South American countries couldn't manage to host such an event. Argentina could probably host as well, but there are countries in South America that either are too small, do not have a stable enough economy or stable enough government for FIFA to commit to. How many South American countries can really host?

Also, Canada does like football. Toronto FC is one of MLS' flagship franchises, Vancouver will be welcomed to the league soon, Montreal will likely get a franchise soon and they are already one of the best supported USL sides. Toss in that the 2007 U-20 World Cup, hosted by Canada, is the best attended youth World Cup in history and I do not understand why it would be assumed that they don't like football. Stadium improvements need to be made, but Canada could host a World Cup and I could certainly imagine Mexico doing so again in the future.

I'm not advocating that North America host every three or four World Cups, but South America has how many countries that could conceivably host? I can't imagine it being more than four, only one more than North America.

Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia. 50% of Conmebol Members.

Equador and Uruguay would probably able if it is a join bid with other major country.

Yeah well, Feynoord will not play against Ajax during the WC ;) The hooliganism in England is a bit worse.

How is it worse?

Feyenoord won't be playing Ajax, but neither will West Ham be playing Millwall.

Anyway, West Ham/Millwall happened because they haven't played each other for so long.

I just can't see the World Cup in the Belgium and the Netherlands. They're too small (even combined) and most of their domestic teams do not merit building 40,000-plus stadiums that will never be full after the event.



As I wrote on another thread; The BeNeLux (The Low Countries) is the 11th economy in the world with a population of only 27 million, just after Spain and before Canada. It could easily be the most wealthy region on this planet.

So, review your statement about being too small.

And about stadium development; we're talking about a period of almost 10 years from now. The average attendance in the Eredivisie is growing steadily, new stadiums will be build or exisiting stadiums upgraded unregarded a possible WC.

Plus there are no strong financial or political reasons to go there.

What do you mean with this? What has politics to do with a football game?

As I wrote on another thread; The BeNeLux (The Low Countries) is the 11th economy in the world with a population of only 27 million, just after Spain and before Canada. It could easily be the most wealthy region on this planet.

So, review your statement about being too small.

And about stadium development; we're talking about a period of almost 10 years from now. The average attendance in the Eredivisie is growing steadily, new stadiums will be build or exisiting stadiums upgraded unregarded a possible WC.



What do you mean with this? What has politics to do with a football game?

You make a good point, but bare in mind Luxembourg has a large (for it's size) impact on the BeNeLux economy. Luxembourg has the highest GDP per capita in the world.

Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia. 50% of Conmebol Members.

Equador and Uruguay would probably able if it is a join bid with other major country.

I have serious doubts about Venezuela and Colombia's ability to host a World Cup. They hosted Copa America, but I think that's about as big a tournament as either could hold. There's also the financial and political instability that both have had issues with. Committing to either 8-12 years in advance is a dangerous proposition.

I think Brazil, Argentina and Chile are really the only three capable of hosting.

^^ True; the figures of the Benelux

National GDP: Netherlands + Belgium + Luxembourg = 860 + 497 + 54 = 1,412 billion USD

Population: Netherlands + Belgium + Luxembourg= 16,5 + 10,6 + 0,5 = 27,6 million

Top 15 economies would look like this (population in millions):

1. USA 307
2. Japan 128
3. China 1345
4. Germany 82
5. France 65
6. UK 61
7. Italy 60
8. Brazil 191
9. Russia 142
10. Spain 37
11. Benelux 27
12. Canada 34
13. India 1198
14. Mexico 111
15. Australia 22

GDP (nominal) per capita:

1. Luxembourg with 111,182 USD
7. Netherlands with 52,322 USD
13. Belgium with 46,486 USD

Source: Worldbank

It's time to PORTUGAL&SPAIN
It's time to IBERIA

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Absolute rubbish.

The West Ham v Millwall incident was nothing compared to what happens in Europe much more often. In the Netherlands Feyenoord v Ajax attracts far more trouble than anything in England. Even in Spain I'd say there were more problems than in England, Atletico Madrid received a two game stadium ban and were fined over racist abuse and violence against Marseille a couple of years ago.

As someone else said, England is the safest place in the world to watch a football match.

Bit double here. England has a reputation and history for WC and EC hooliganism and trouble. The Netherlands might have Ajax vs Feyenoord, but if you look at WC or EC then you will notice their are never problems with hooliganism or violence. Dutch hooligans completely ignore WC and EC, which are family events.
The hooligans I know make a huge but seriously huge distinction between the two.
That said, the organization in the Netherlands will be superb, you can count on that. Money wise it will be attractive for FIFA as well.

Yeah well, Feynoord will not play against Ajax during the WC ;) The hooliganism in England is a bit worse.

You're living in the past. Hooliganism hasn't been a problem in England or with the England team for a long time.

And, given English clubs' perennial strength in the Champions League, there isn't a country in the world that is better equipped or has more experience of staging big football matches. That's why countries around the world look to England as the model for policing and stewarding football.

Fuck England...............

2018 World CUP Belgium and the Netherlands period!

They will have the best bid! And that´s what its all about!

A very good bid in some respects.

But there's no getting away from the fact that, overall, the Benelux stadiums won't quite be able to match the stadiums in Iberia and England. Maybe Russia too.

Will that prove to be Benelux's undoing? Who knows....

I have serious doubts about Venezuela and Colombia's ability to host a World Cup. They hosted Copa America, but I think that's about as big a tournament as either could hold. There's also the financial and political instability that both have had issues with. Committing to either 8-12 years in advance is a dangerous proposition.

I think Brazil, Argentina and Chile are really the only three capable of hosting.

I Think even with the controvertial Hugo Chavez on power, Venezuela could host it because doesnt have many conerns and have a lot of petrodolars. The stadiums from Copa America are new and very modern would be very good.

Colombia would have some problems with FARCs though

I'm a privat driver for a very influence person in the soccerworld. Can't say anymore ofcourse.
I don't give my opinion about the situation, I only tell you guy's what I know.

I smell bullshit.

If not from you, then from this fella that you drive around. Hooliganism hasn't been a problem in England for a long time. It's worse in many other countries. So I can't believe that anyone important in FIFA is stupid or ignorant enough to believe that hooliganism is still rife in England.

Besides, FIFA doesn't speak as one voice. There are, what, 23 delegates who vote? And each will have a different opinion about each of the bidding countries.

At most, what you heard (if you did, in fact, hear anything) would have been the opinion of one man. Nothing more.

Bit double here. England has a reputation and history for WC and EC hooliganism and trouble. The Netherlands might have Ajax vs Feyenoord, but if you look at WC or EC then you will notice their are never problems with hooliganism or violence. Dutch hooligans completely ignore WC and EC, which are family events.
The hooligans I know make a huge but seriously huge distinction between the two.
That said, the organization in the Netherlands will be superb, you can count on that. Money wise it will be attractive for FIFA as well.

Yes - the important word here being..........history.

History is something that happened in the past; something that is not current.

And moneywise, England will be even more attractive for FIFA. As will Iberia. Bigger stadiums. More ticket sales.

I Think even with the controvertial Hugo Chavez on power, Venezuela could host it because doesnt have many conerns and have a lot of petrodolars. The stadiums from Copa America are new and very modern would be very good.

Colombia would have some problems with FARCs though

Relying on petro dollars 8-12 years down the line is risky and can you guarantee a stable government that far down the line? I'm not saying that the money and stable government won't be there, but I'm not betting my multi-billion dollar even on it.

As for stadia, only five are capable of hosting a World Cup match capacity wise and all but one of them is on the low end of the capacity window with 40,000 or in the low 40,000's. There would have to be a minimum of five upgrades/new stadiums.

Also, depending on how Chavez progresses, some countries, like the US and it's closest allies may boycott it...

I wouldn't worry Jim. If something in the past with little current relevence is the biggest thing our rivals can find to criticise about England 2018, I'd say we're in pretty good shape.

^^ If they really host someday chances are very slim that Chavez will still be in power. And I also don't think they would boycott it..
Football needs to grow a lot in the country before they can do it. I wonder what attendances the stadiums they built for the Copa America get in the league?

I also don't see Chile hosting it, at least not alone. The country has only some 16m inhabitants and nearly half of it live in or near Santiago.

I'm getting a bit nauseous here.

It's like you guys think that every time England makes a bid for a mayor event, they will get it because of their great stadiums,infratructure etc.... luckely it doesn;t work that way.

Poxuy, do you, by any chance, work for the Russian government? Attempting to blame the US and foreign media for every problem is the sign of a government and a country unsure of itself. The North Korean, Zimbabwean and Iranian governments all do that. Blaming outside influences deflects attention from their own failings. Russian foreign policy has been noted in the wider world lately for its sabre-rattling. Many of its near neighbours are concerned that Russia wants its old bloc back. The Polish government was most disappointed that the US decided not to place a missile shield in it's country. Whether their fear is justified or not is irrelevant. The fact is, many people believe worry at Russia's intentions and Russia itself does nothing to aussage their concerns. There is also the assassination of exiled Russian dissidents in foreign countries such as Alexander Litvinenko. The man accused of killing him will never stand trial, Moscow made sure of that. Or perhaps you think I'm being unfair or a mouthpiece of the US and the evil foreign media and Russia really is the beacon of democracy and free speech that you make it out to be.

Moscow to Sochi = 844 miles (1,358Km) in a straight line (according to Google Earth). Sounds like a long way to me. It's certainly a lot further than the distance between venues in the other European bidders.

A340-500 - Football, and sport generally, shouldn't be political but it is because it costs so much money to stage big tournaments and brings in so much money in tourism. Politicians are needed to pass planning laws to get stadiums and infrastructure built. In addition, they are needed to sweet-talk the FIFA delegation into voting for their country (and greasing their palms if necessary). There is also the question of the World Cup sponsors who will apply pressure to get it in the country that is going to make them the most exposure or open up new markets for them. It is the same in all big sporting events. The best bid never wins; it is all political.

I'm getting a bit nauseous here.

It's like you guys think that every time England makes a bid for a mayor event, they will get it because of their great stadiums,infratructure etc.... luckely it doesn;t work that way.

None of us think we will get it for certain; we all know what happened to the 2006 bid. We just get annoyed when people throw unwarrented criticism towards us like grossly overexaggerating the hooliganism problem.

So, sorry if you feel nauseous but that's just the way it is.

I'm getting a bit nauseous here.

It's like you guys think that every time England makes a bid for a mayor event, they will get it because of their great stadiums,infratructure etc.... luckely it doesn;t work that way.

You couldn't be more wrong.

Let me remind you of your last post:

Fuck England...............

2018 World CUP Belgium and the Netherlands period!

They will have the best bid! And that´s what its all about!

Very classy, huh?

Seems to me that it is YOU who is the arrogant one who is assuming that your country's bid will win.

By contrast, all I've done is to point out that:

a) hooliganism is no longer a problem in England and that it is therefore ridiculous for people from Benelux countries to claim that the issue will damage England's bid.

b) the Benelux stadiums WILL, on average, be considerably smaller than the stadiums in Iberia and England (and possibly Russia too?). There is no getting away from it. It is a fact. And that means that the Benelux bid will have to compensate by being far better in almost every other respect than the other European bids. Can they do it? Of course they can. But it won't be easy for them.

You want to believe that the English are arrogantly assuming that we will win the vote because you want us to conform to some sort of hateful stereotype that is lodged in your imagination. You are allowing prejudice against the English to have clouded your judgement.

The truth is that no one has made any arrogant claims about England winning the vote. Which is more than can be said for you and your claims about the Benelux bid.

jandeczentar
Working on government? What a typical brainwashed crap? If you want to talk politics go in other branch of forum. First you are writing that Russia is threatining Europe to cut gas, which is simply a lie of misinformed person and result of propaganda. Even this alone showing that next dialogue with you is useless. I can give you all facts about every moment in your comment and prove how US is using this to blackmail Russia. But not here. Poor victim of black/white bs. "Democracy" is just a beautiful word to justify political interests. World is not divided by democracy/non-democracy. There is a group of bankers, which owning Federal Reserve and printing dollars (paper, which doesn't connect with anything) and their controlled organisations like IMF, WHO, NATO,... which is spreading their interests under huge media propaganda, and protecting their actions by "democracy". US is slowly waking up, information is opening, people are protesting and understand what's going on.
But if you don't have a clue about politics and want to write bullshit without any fact, it's only YOUR problem. Next offtop will be ignored.

jandeczentar
Working on government? What a typical brainwashed crap? If you want to talk politics go in other branch of forum. First you are writing that Russia is threatining Europe to cut gas, which is simply a lie of misinformed person and result of propaganda. I can give you all facts about every moment in your comment and prove how US is using this to blackmail Russia. But not here. Poor victim of black/white bs. Really, if you don't have a clue about politics and want to write bullshit without any fact, it's only YOUR problem. Next offtop will be ignored.

Poxuy - this may have been discussed earlier in the thread but I don't know where and can't be bothered to search...........what will be the capacity of each of Russia's bid stadiums?

Poxuy - this may have been discussed earlier in the thread but I don't know where and can't be bothered to search...........what will be the capacity of each of Russia's bid stadiums?

9 October, a day before Russia-Germany match, is an official beginning date of Bidding company. I will write all that will be known.

I go for Australia 2018!

I'm getting a bit nauseous here.

It's like you guys think that every time England makes a bid for a mayor event, they will get it because of their great stadiums,infratructure etc.... luckely it doesn;t work that way.

That's how it should work!

What the fuck is it with this hooligan problem? I think pretty much every country in Europe has a bigger problem with hooligans than England. We don't have terraces, we don't have any 'ultras' groups and our stadiums are the safest around. All the haters are living in the past and denying it - it just gets more heavily publicised here whereas across Europe it is just shovelled under the carpet.

Provided our stadiums are developed/expanded as promised then we should definitely win this bid. Our bid would be unigue in many ways - not least in the stadia! The percentage of possible stadia in our bid that would be the boring bowl shape is actually fairly low (especially compared to other countries). The only reason for these joint bids in because each of the respective countries don't have the resources or the money to host the tournament on their own. They are therefore inferior!

As for Platini, he hates England so of course he's against it!

Every one of those Indonesian stadiums is an athletics venue not a football venue. They all look the same and would provide a terrible experience for fans.

WCs should be given to countries who have football as their first sport more often than those where it is not seen as important. I think there needs to be an obvious improvement in some countries football system before the WC is given. What motivation is there for FIFA otherwise.

Yes Luke, but we've seen a technically inferior bid win the 2016 Olympics in the last week. There are a multitude of other factors to consider beside the technical ones which is why England is by no means a shoe-in and why we shouldn't get too ahead of ourselves.

Every one of those Indonesian stadiums is an athletics venue not a football venue. They all look the same and would provide a terrible experience for fans.

WCs should be given to countries who have football as their first sport more often than those where it is not seen as important. I think there needs to be an obvious improvement in some countries football system before the WC is given. What motivation is there for FIFA otherwise.

Football is the number 1 sport in indonesia (check out the indonesian threads for pictures). Having athletics stadiums is not an indicator, just look at Italy and how Germany used to be. It just means that local government tries to leech of the success of the game by forcing teams to play in substandard venues.

However I do agree that athletics stadiums should be banned from world cups and Indonesia shouldn't get it until they have a decent football team.

I personally think Russia may come with the best bid, the geography is not bad (better than the states, australia and brazil) and it's somewhere different.

We've had "recent" Euros in both England and the Benelux.

As far as i am aware stadium capacity is irrelevant as long as you meet the criteria as FIFA makes it's money from TV and sponsorship.

It's a shame that the best 4 bids are European ones because we have this rotational policy. I would love it England, I'd love it the benelux, i'd love it in Russia (not so much portugal, spain solo yes).

As for Platini, he hates England so of course he's against it!

Stop it Luke

I Think even with the controvertial Hugo Chavez on power, Venezuela could host it because doesnt have many conerns and have a lot of petrodolars. The stadiums from Copa America are new and very modern would be very good.

Colombia would have some problems with FARCs though

I have no doubt these stadiums are modern. But FIFA has asked 11 stadiums with 40000 places and 1 stadium with 80000 places. I saw stadiums of Venezuela and none have 80000 places, only 6 stadiums have the required minimum of places.

http://www.worldstadiums.com/south_america/countries/venezuela.shtml

Venezuela will have to work harder, even with oil revenues.

Colombia will also have lots of works to do to host a WC.

Argentina can host a WC, but they will have to upgrade some stadiums.

http://www.worldstadiums.com/south_america/countries/colombia.shtml

from reading this thread a lot of jealousy from our european friends Holland and belguim imo dont have a chance russia is a interesting one though the moscow bid for the olmypics in 2012 downfall was down to the lack of infastructure. as Luke said plantini hates the uk so we will see .

I wish Russia would've filed a joint bid with the Ukraine so we could see matches played in Donbass.

Spain and Portugal will win. They will have the support of Europe and importantly Latin America.

I wish Russia would've filed a joint bid with the Ukraine so we could see matches played in Donbass.
hehe, if only a Donbass Arena, Donetzk is few kms from Rostov-na-Donu, but this will be already a joint bid, so I doubt.

Spain and Portugal will win. They will have the support of Europe and importantly Latin America.

They'll have the support of Latin America, certainly. But Latin America only has a small minority of the votes. It won't be enough, on its own, to get the Iberian bid very far.

Whatever gains Iberia makes in Latin America may be lost in Asia and Africa.

As to Europe, I see no reason why Iberia would get a significantly higher proportion of the vote than any of the other European bids.

england has the majority of europe on its side and i imagine oceania because i cant see australia getting anywhere in there bid

england has the majority of europe on its side and i imagine oceania because i cant see australia getting anywhere in there bid

Just as I don't think that Iberia will win most of the European votes, I don't think that England will either.

Each of the European bids will most likely win similar levels of support from within Europe.

As to Australia, forget about them. England are not in direct competition with them. Australia are in competition with all the other non European countries for whichever of WC 2018 or 2022 isn't held in Europe - and they stand as good a chance as any. Besides, Australia is no longer, in footballing terms, an Oceania country. It joined the Asian Football Confederation a couple of years ago.

You're right, though, to hope that Oceania's votes will go to England. Historical and cultrural ties make it more likely.

England will win, no doubt about that...

Just as I don't think that Iberia will win most of the European votes, I don't think that England will either.

Each of the European bids will most likely win similar levels of support from within Europe.

As to Australia, forget about them. England are not in direct competition with them. Australia are in competition with all the other non European countries for whichever of WC 2018 or 2022 isn't held in Europe - and they stand as good a chance as any. Besides, Australia is no longer, in footballing terms, an Oceania country. It joined the Asian Football Confederation a couple of years ago.

You're right, though, to hope that Oceania's votes will go to England. Historical and cultrural ties make it more likely.

exactley if some of the country votes get knocked out england will get them thats why i think we will get the wc 2018

Why do all Indonesian stadiums have athletics tracks? FIFA doesn't like them, and I think there's even a limit to the amount of stadiums that can have an atheltics track. Indonesia will have to build 6 to 8 rectangular, football specific stadiums for the world cup. I would love to see a world cup in Indonesia, but I really can't see them pulling it off before 2022. Maybe next time around guys, this one is for the USA or Oz...

Honestly, why invest so much in a stadium and compromise the main draw (football) with running tracks that will rarely pack the stands?

Football is the number 1 sport in indonesia (check out the indonesian threads for pictures). Having athletics stadiums is not an indicator, just look at Italy and how Germany used to be. It just means that local government tries to leech of the success of the game by forcing teams to play in substandard venues.

However I do agree that athletics stadiums should be banned from world cups and Indonesia shouldn't get it until they have a decent football team.

Sorry my 2nd point was not related to my first. Pretty obvious that Indonesia's first sport is football. My complaint was regarding the stadia. I agree with you.

Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia. 50% of Conmebol Members.

Equador and Uruguay would probably able if it is a join bid with other major country.

:nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

What?????? jaja (LOL), let's see. Man!!!, you're brazilian right yeah of course, look, I don't know exactly why you're talking that Europe and South America deserve a WC each 12 or 16 years (i don't remember ur comment), if u say it because of football level there, you're a little wrong, Europe ok, I agree, but South America, come on man, teams from the North are better than some of southamerican, african and asian countries.

If you talk about the number of countries...Asia has more than another continent, then Africa and Europe.

Now, talking about economy...Colombiaaaaa??, Colombia wasn't able in order to host the WC in 86, Mexico was the solution, I think the really able countries now in South America are Brazil, Chile and Argentina and I got my doubts about them, maybe Venezuela but no. In North America obviously, United States, Mexico and Canada, (by the way, I don't know what's the true reason cuz of Mexico decline the host of WC), is complicated that Central America or Caribbean can host a WC.

I vote for United States!!

I feel the same way about it. But I think Qatar could bid as a join bid with other Arab Small Countries like UAE, Bahrein, Kwait, Oman and maybe even Saudi Arabia. Host Cities would be:

UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Oman: Mascat
Qatar: Doha
Bahrein: Manama
Kuwait: Kuwait
Saudi Arabia: Riyad, Jiddah

:nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Is the same as:

Guatemala: Guatemala City
Honduras: Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula
El Salvador: San Salvador
Costa Rica: San Jose
Trinidad & Tobago: Port Spain
Jamaica: Kingston

:lol:

Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia. 50% of Conmebol Members.

Equador and Uruguay would probably able if it is a join bid with other major country.
:yes:

I think Colombia, Argentina and Venezuela, and perhaps Peru, in the future would be able to host a World Cup

:nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Is the same as:

Guatemala: Guatemala City
Honduras: Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula
El Salvador: San Salvador
Costa Rica: San Jose
Trinidad & Tobago: Port Spain
Jamaica: Kingston

:lol:

Go Reggae Country!:banana::lol:

http://www.russia2018-2022.com/

http://i.imagehost.org/0929/2018.jpghttp://i.imagehost.org/0367/2018_2.jpg

NORTHERN CLUSTER
Kaliningrad (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/kaliningrad.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1291/Kaliningrad_Small.jpg
St. Petersburg (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/st-petersburg.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1319/SaintPet_Small.jpg

CENTRAL CLUSTER
Moscow (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/moscow.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1303/Moscow_Small.jpg
Podolsk (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/podolsk.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1311/Podolsk_Small.jpg

VOLGA CLUSTER
Kazan (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/kazan.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1295/Kazan_Small.jpg
Nizhny Novgorod (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/nizhny-novgorod.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1307/Nizhny_Small.jpg
Yaroslavl (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/yaroslavl.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1339/Yaroslavl_Small.jpg
Samara (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/samara.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1323/Samara_Small.jpg
Volgograd (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/volgograd.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1335/Volgograd_Small.jpg
Saransk (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/saransk.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1327/Saransk_Small.jpg

SOUTHERN CLUSTER
Krasnodar (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/krasnodar.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1299/Krasnodar_small.jpg
Rostov-on-Don (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/rostov-on-don.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1315/Rustov_Small.jpg
Sochi (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/sochi.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1331/Sochi_Small.jpg

EAST OF URAL
Ekaterinburg (http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/the-bid/host-cities/yekaterinburg.aspx)
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/1343/Yekaterinburg_Small.jpg

http://www.championat.ru/photo/albums/10-09_russiawc2018_SA/10-09_russiawc2018_SA_20.jpg

:nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

What?????? jaja (LOL), let's see. Man!!!, you're brazilian right yeah of course, look, I don't know exactly why you're talking that Europe and South America deserve a WC each 12 or 16 years (i don't remember ur comment), if u say it because of football level there, you're a little wrong, Europe ok, I agree, but South America, come on man, teams from the North are better than some of southamerican, african and asian countries.

If you talk about the number of countries...Asia has more than another continent, then Africa and Europe.

Now, talking about economy...Colombiaaaaa??, Colombia wasn't able in order to host the WC in 86, Mexico was the solution, I think the really able countries now in South America are Brazil, Chile and Argentina and I got my doubts about them, maybe Venezuela but no. In North America obviously, United States, Mexico and Canada, (by the way, I don't know what's the true reason cuz of Mexico decline the host of WC), is complicated that Central America or Caribbean can host a WC.

I vote for United States!!


Yes, Mexico is so perfect and better than South American Countries!! That´s why they want to play Copa Libertadores!! And If Mexico, no doubt, is more capable to host, why withdraw the competition?? You should visit more south american countries to learn about they capacity.

One thing English football fans can be proud off though. If they dont get the chance to see the tourament in thier home country. They will make sure thier national team feel like they are playing at home wherever the world cup may take place. Thats something alot of nations dont have the luxury of having.

Take nothing for granted but depending on history of the event I think it's a two horse race between Russia and England.

@ Russian bid: after first glance at the map I'd rather add Volgograd to the southern cluster - it's much closer to Rostov-na-Donu and Sochi than Samara and Yaroslavl.
It's an interesting bid but still England's an absolute favourite for me

@ Russian bid: after first glance at the map I'd rather add Volgograd to the southern cluster - it's much closer to Rostov-na-Donu and Sochi than Samara and Yaroslavl.
It's an interesting bid but still England's an absolute favourite for me
It's not in South Cluster, because it's Volgograd, on river Volga and in its cluster :) . I have some feeling that except other opportunities to travel between cities, our Committee is preparing water excursions on Volga between matches for fans :) , nature is very beautiful there.

Yes, Mexico is so perfect and better than South American Countries!! That´s why they want to play Copa Libertadores!! And If Mexico, no doubt, is more capable to host, why withdraw the competition?? You should visit more south american countries to learn about they capacity. :nuts:

What a sarcasm man!!!!:ohno:

I don't know why the hell but Mexico is the first who wants to organize a WC, politics are stronger, maybe FIFA doesn't want that Mexico organize it, we have 2 tournaments and FIFA knows that Mexico is so capable to do it for third time, we have population, we have a lot of stadiums, we can create more infrastructure. You know Mexico wants too a Copa America and what happens? CONMEBOL doesn't give us the host why?? I don't know why but Copa America should join CONMEBOL and CONCACAF and make a REAL COPA AMERICA, not only as invited countries.

And I dont' know why your comment??? "LEARN ABOUT THE CAPACITY"????, about which country??? or which stadium?? or what???..Mexico city, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Querétaro, Torreon, Morelia has a good capacity stadiums.

By the way Mexico doesn't want to play Copa Libertadores, we play it!!, what we want to play again is Copa Sudamericana which CONCACAF and CONMEBOL take off us.

One thing English football fans can be proud off though. If they dont get the chance to see the tourament in thier home country. They will make sure thier national team feel like they are playing at home wherever the world cup may take place. Thats something alot of nations dont have the luxury of having.

Take nothing for granted but depending on history of the event I think it's a two horse race between Russia and England.

I don't think it is at all.

Plenty of votes to be won and lost between now and December 2010. England may be the early favourites. But recent FIFA and IOC bidding votes have have thrown up a number of surprises.

All four European bids will very much be in the running.

Unlike proposed clusters for a USA World Cup, which has an equal number of cities per cluster, which would allow two groups per cluster, the Russian proposal has an uneven number per cluster. How will they assign groups to each of the clusters to assure that all of the cities host a decent number of matches, while also keeping any team from having to leave their cluster?

It's not in South Cluster, because it's Volgograd, on river Volga and in its cluster :) .

Yes, obviously I understand that the name Volgograd derives from the river. But still I find it quite an artificial solution to assign a city to a particular cluster by its name rather than by geografical proximity.
Unless water transport is better developed in Russia than roads and railways and travelling by boat along the Volga river would be faster and more comfortable than by car or train. In this case it would make more sense.

It will be interesting to have the exclave of Kaliningrad on the World Cup. It would be great to see it in Vladivostok, but it won't ever happen.

It will be interesting to have the exclave of Kaliningrad on the World Cup. It would be great to see it in Vladivostok, but it won't ever happen.


Yea :) . And Novosibirsk too. It would be nice to develop east Russia.

Why the hell they merged 2018 and 2022 threads?!?!?!!?!?!?!

Why the hell they merged 2018 and 2022 threads?!?!?!!?!?!?!

Because both 2018 and 2022 will be awarded at the same time and only Qatar and South Korea are bidding on just one. Just because you assume 2018 will go to Europe doesn't mean much and considering the bid process will be the same for both, it makes no sense to have separate threads. If the bids won't differentiate, why should we?

http://www.championat.ru/photo/albums/10-10_russia-germany_SM/10-10_russia-germany_SM_35.jpg

http://www.championat.ru/photo/albums/10-10_russia-germany_SM/10-10_russia-germany_SM_33.jpg

:)

The bids will have an Expo in Cape Town in December this year, during the Final Draw week of events.

For a FIFA World Cup in Russia, these five cities already have the required stadiums built: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhniy Novgorod, and Sochi (the last four are actually proposed or under construction). Several other cities will have to come up with their own plans for new football stadia. Those cities are Podolsk, Kalingrad, Yaroslavl, Somara, Volgograd, Saransk, Krasnodar, Rostov-na-Donu, and Yekaterinburg. Russia may be the largest country in area, but it is seriously lacking in the football stadium department.

the uk 15 cities that are applying to be host cities only nottingham and bristol dont have a stdium built in mind for the wc other cities stadiums would just need upgrading .

FIFA head Blatter praises Russia's World Cup bid

MOSCOW, October 15 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's bid to stage the World Cup has won the "whole-hearted" support of FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

Speaking at a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Blatter said Russia had a "very good chance" of winning the right to stage the world's most popular sporting event.

"I believe that the World Cup should leave a legacy, and this idea is coming to life here in Russia. That is why I feel a whole-hearted affinity for the Russian bid," Blatter said.

Russia's bid, which was officially launched last Friday, has the full support of the government, with a high-level steering committee established under First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov.

"The very fact of carrying out such major event would, without any doubt, give a boost to the development of football in the post-Soviet space and in Eastern Europe," Putin said.

While Russia is officially bidding for either the 2018 or 2022 tournament, FIFA's continent rotation policy means that Europe is likely to host the event four years after Brazil in 2014.

Russia has seven competitors to host the 2018 World Cup, including England, Australia and joint bids from Belgium and the Netherlands and Spain and Portugal. A decision on the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments will be made in December 2010.
http://en.rian.ru/sports/20091015/156478014.html

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with FIFA President Joseph Blatter

http://premier.gov.ru/media/2009/10/15/5972/photolenta_big_photo.jpeg

Transcript of the start of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr Blatter, dear friend, I am very glad to see you in Moscow. In Moscow and Russia, your work in the post of FIFA president is very well known.

I have to say that the popularity of football is growing in Russia. I cannot, however, say that our team is doing all of what the country's fans expect of it, but the development of football is generally on the upswing all the same.

In general, we have a good national team with good potential. What is more important is that we have a program for the development of football to the year 2015. Corresponding federal funds have been allocated and the regions are also allocating funds. Before the end of this year, we plan to build 600 new pitches, including indoor pitches.

You, of course, know that we have decided to officially submit our application to host the World Cup in 2018. We wanted to inform you about this today. A week ago, on October 9, I signed an executive order in order to make this process more official.

Joseph Blatter (as translated): Let me first wish you a happy birthday. Once again, happy birthday!

Mr President, I am very glad about our meeting today; it's a great honour for me. I am really glad that you greet me as a friend and let me do the same. We have been acquainted for several years in various capacities. I want to tell you that as before, you remain "Mr President" to me and so accordingly I have addressed you as such.

You said that I am well-known in Russia. Let me answer that by saying that you are well-known around the world. In any case, in every country I visit. Everywhere in the football world, people talk about Russia and about you.

I must say that in Russia there really is a lot being done for the development of football and we value this. Evidence of this is the fact that the president of the Russian Football Union is now a Russian government official. And this did not give us pause. As they say, success goes hand-in-hand with success.

As for the national team - I think that the Russian team will still make it to South Africa. But if it doesn't happen on the first try in the first round, there's always the second try in the second round. There are two more games ahead. And with such a team and the whole nation behind them, I am confident that you will succeed.

Vladimir Putin: I hope so.

Joseph Blatter: Of course, I would like to be able to say that I also hope se, but there is the principle of neutrality, which I must observe.

Mr Prime Minister, let me take this opportunity to express gratitude for the Russian government and the Russian Football Union deciding to officially submit an application to host the World Cup in 2018. Regardless of what anyone says about, say, the Olympic Games, this is the world's main event, the foremost event, Event Number One. Football is football.

Today, over the course of the day, I had the opportunity to familiarise myself with the progress of Russia's preparations to host the World Cup. And let me take this opportunity to explain my football philosophy. I think that the world football championship, the World Cup within the framework of FIFA must leave a legacy. And just such a concept is being realised here in Russia. So the Russian application gives rise to my most earnest sympathy.

Mr Prime Minister, I am very glad that preparations for the World Cup are now being done on a regional level and are proportionally distributed across all of Russia. You mentioned this yourself and also noted that football isn't just a game. Indeed, many other things relate to it, such as all of the logistical support - the streets, railroads and all infrastructure. Not only just the stadiums. Consequently, all of this, of course, will remain in Russia and will be of use to its people.

I would also like to mention the great socio-cultural significance of football and it popularity among youth. Football is really a game that motivates the entire world. And it seems to me that this particularly pronounced in Russia.

It should be recognized that things aren't going so well in the world, although the economic crisis has relented a little bit. But in order to overcome it, we, of course, need positive emotions and hopes. This is exactly what football could give.

And on a more personal note - since we're talking about the crisis, let me congratulate you with signing the major agreement with China yesterday.

I would also like to mention the commonality in life philosophy that you and I share. Like you, I am very attached to my mother and I wear her locket. And when I once asked you whether you would like to be rich, you said, "I am already rich, I have a rich emotional life and rich feelings."

Getting back to football - of course, it's great that Russia has such a large construction programme for football. This is not only football pitches, but roofed stadiums. Of course, it is very good that youth is lure off the streets and into sport facilities where come to know a game based on respect and discipline. It may be said that football is the school of life. A person who plays football may not become the best footballer, but he will become a better person.

Mr Prime Minister, could you ask the question that the media also asks - "What are Russia's chances to become the host country for the 2018 World Cup?" I can say that Russia, first of all, is in the race. However, I can say that Russia is a second-tier country and other countries submitted their applications much earlier. However, those documents which I was able to review command respect. I think that if you continue with the same verve and the same attitude, then your chances are good.

And let me also add the following. Regardless of the Russian national team's results are, and accordingly those of the Russian Football Union, let me, now in my official capacity, as well as personally, invite you to the World Cup opening ceremony in Johannesburg on June 9 of next year. I hope that you will be able to accept my invitation.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr President for your invitation and your comments.

As for our application, we indeed attach great importance to it, primarily from the point of view of the development of mass sport. We have four locations, four cities where practically, if not everything is ready, then we, independent of the World Cup, will prepare these sites. These are Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazak and Sochi.

Kazan will host the World Student Games in 2012, and then in Sochi, as you know, there will be the Olympic Games and a facility there will also be ready. Renovation and practically new construction is in progress in St. Petersburg, and in Moscow as well. And we're planning another 10 facilities in 10 cities.

I surmise that the very fact of holding such a major event will certainly be a shot in the arm for the development of football in all of Eastern Europe, in any case, in the former Soviet Union.

Joseph Blatter: You've got me thinking. My philosophy is to bring football to those countries and regions where we haven't been before. Accordingly, we are in Africa now.

Vladimir Putin: I know which button to "press" in conversation with you. Because, thanks to your efforts, football has moved beyond South America and Europe. Now the World Cup will be held in Africa. And it is rather effectively developing in North America and Asia as well.

So for us, this movement is in the same direction, because it involves actually creating new infrastructure. Certainly, there will be a push to develop football in particular and mass sport in general. Of course, this is what you said at the start of our conversation - infrastructure, transport, accommodations, telecommunications systems, utilities, energy supply. And all of this is connected, of course, with environmentally-friendly modern technology.

In general, we are ready to be quite energetic in promoting our application. Of course, ultimately the decision rests with your colleagues, but we will try to do everything to show the advantages of our application. In any case, we will implement our programme, which, as I already said, runs until 2015.
http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/3907.html

On 4 December 2009, FIFA will host a media event in which the 11 bidders for the 2018 and/or 2022 FIFA World Cup will be able to present their bids to the international media at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in South Africa. The accreditation procedure will be conducted via the FIFA Media Channel.
Teams bidding include Australia, Belgium-Netherlands, England, Indonesia, Japan, Korea Republic, Mexico, Qatar, Spain-Portugal, Russia and the USA. The event will include interview opportunities with representatives of the bidders. Media transport will be arranged from the media hotels and the CTICC.

The event is independent from the Final Draw and a separate media accreditation will be required to access the event. The accreditation procedure for this bidders media event will be conducted via the FIFA Media Channel, where a specific accreditation form will be available from 1 October to 30 October 2009.

Media representatives may register for the FIFA Media Channel at https://media.fifa.com.

The FIFA Media Channel is the primary communication channel between FIFA, the local organising committee of each FIFA competition and the media. It is a password-protected online service designed to provide media professionals with details on activities, including press conferences, team training sessions and other media resources, information on competition media facilities, including stadium media centres (SMCs), ticketing, FIFA and LOC media contacts, and any special media announcements.

Approval to access the FIFA Media Channel does not mean accreditation has been granted. The media accreditation process for any FIFA competition requires the completion of an accreditation form via the FIFA Media Channel that is specific to the event.
http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/410/147/41444.html

Russia should be the favourite

I am doing an analyze about european bids:

England can be considered as favorites. England has lots of ambassadors and stars foreign and english who play in EPL, the best league in the world. They have also built modern and world class stadiums such as Wembley, Emirates stadium and others. English will have facilities built for 2012 olympic games.

Russia may not have good transportations, but can make a big surprise. Russia can count on public enthousiasm and strong politics such as Putin, Medvedev and Abramovitch.

Spain and Portugal appear as strong contender for England. However, the bid should have had the same number of venues per countries. Spain has more stadiums than Portugal in the bid. I think Spain should have presented a bid alone.

Belgium and Netherlands are small countries. They can do a surprise.

Spain and Portugal appear as strong contender for England. However, the bid should have had the same number of venues per countries. Spain has more stadiums than Portugal in the bid. I think Spain should have presented a bid alone.


..[2]

More exact information about Spain/Portugal bid:

...
Last week Portuguese Football Association (FPF) president Gilberto Madail revealed his country would be a junior partner in the bid to co-host the 2018 finals with Spain.

Just three stadiums – two in Lisbon, one in Oporto – would be contributed by Portugal, which emphasized the cost-effectiveness of its contribution following major investment made prior to the UEFA 2004 European Championships.
...
http://www.worldfootballinsider.com/Story.aspx?id=32645

CaliforniaJones
I will add about Russia, that this is the only candidate which allows FIFA to develop football infrastructure on 1/8 territory of Earth and neigboring CIS countries (as an example for them) and create (as they call it) an "inheritance for next generations". In E,S/P,B/N football structure is already on very high level. Last choices - South Africa, Brasil - showing strategy of FIFA very clear, so from this point of view, if bids will be practically equal, the choice will be Russia, because it's a huge development for FIFA themselves as an organisation. Second, decision will be made more than 7 years before WC - enough time even to create neccessary infrastructure since "zero" in some cities.

I'm waiting 4 december, when we will have a better picture of bids and can analyze them.

More exact information about Spain/Portugal bid:

The number may increase with Algarve and probably Braga.

...Last choices - South Africa, Brasil - showing strategy of FIFA very clear, so from this point of view, if bids will be practically equal, the choice will be Russia, because it's a huge development for FIFA themselves as an organisation... Yes, but those last two choices (and that of Korea/Japan) were far more about moving the games around the globe than as an opportunity to help one nation develop their infrastructure. So while FIFA does have an interest in seeing such investment come about, I think it's no where near the level of priority you're assigning here.

Most of Asia, Africa and South America necessitated such investment, but in Europe that's hardly the case. Two bids could host the games with nary any investment needed at all, a very frugal point considering the current and projected near-term economy. A third would need only minimal investment. Thus, given the logistics of the event and it's stature, I think FIFA will lean far more towards the chances for overall success of the event and rewarding sporting spirit rather than simply touting the World Cup as an excuse to build stadiums.

My thoughts, anyway.

Seven belgian cities and five dutch cities will be part of Belgium/The Netherlands bid four 2018-2022 world cups this Monday.

Belgium
Bruges
Gent
Genk
Brussels
Antwerpen
Liege
Charleroi

The Netherlands
Amsterdam
Rotterdam
Eindhoven
Enschende
heerenveen

http://www.worldfootballinsider.com/Story.aspx?id=32676

I am asking why they didn't chose Arhnem as dutch citie for the bid.

...

I am asking why they didn't chose Arhnem as dutch citie for the bid.

The Gelredome in Arnhem has 30.000 seats. The construction of the roof won't allow an expansion to 44.000 which a needed for the WC.

2018 is the return to Europe, and the home of football arent' Spain or Portugal, but England and Italy. Italy hosted the WC in 1990, so England will will the BID.

I consider Russia a European country in the Bid.... so that could be an harsh rival for England...


while for WC 2022 you are commiting a mistake... Australia has only 21 milions inhabitants.... for fans the distance is too much and the available cities are six or seven....

2018: England
2022: USA / Russia
2026: China
2030: USA (if not in 2022) or Nigeria
2034: South America (Not Mexico, Not Brasil) or Middle East (arab nation)
2038: Italy (1990 - 2038 48 years)
2042: India
2048: Australia
2052: Moon :D

Italy is the home of football?

Mexico in South America?

Four consecutive World Cups outside Europe?

Russia a possibility for 2022 when you have England for 2018?



What the...?

2018 is the return to Europe, and the home of football arent' Spain or Portugal, but England and Italy. Italy hosted the WC in 1990, so England will will the BID.

Italy? Italy wouldn't be considered a home of football, sure, it's the no 1 sport and all, but there are other nations which would be considered more of a "home" to football outside of England.


I consider Russia a European country in the Bid.... so that could be an harsh rival for England...

Well duh, it is, look up your facts first. Yes it is a harsh rival for England on account of the other bids being joint, and FIFA says any good single nation bid will be considered first before a joint one (so simply put, Portugal/Spain and Belgium/Netherlands really need to WOW FIFA or they won't even be considered).



while for WC 2022 you are commiting a mistake... Australia has only 21 milions inhabitants.... for fans the distance is too much and the available cities are six or seven....

What mistake? The world game is growing here, we got a proper professional league here now, we have the right to bid as any other. We'll have 11 or 12 cities and most definitely 12 venues. Distance is not too far, maximum travel time would be at most 3-4 hours by plane, matches would be held in logical clusters with sufficient free time for fans traveling by train (which a high speed rail network could help with travel time).

It is definitely not a mistake, we want the games just as much as the other bidding nations. A WC here isn't a pipe dream like some of the other bidders. when Europe get's 2018, only the USA will give us stiff competition in 2022. When awarded, be sure that Australia gets things done right, venues that need to be constructed/upgraded done in time and hosting a successful and memorable WC.



2018: England
2022: USA / Russia
2026: China
2030: USA (if not in 2022) or Nigeria
2034: South America (Not Mexico, Not Brasil) or Middle East (arab nation)
2038: Italy (1990 - 2038 48 years)
2042: India
2048: Australia
2052: Moon :D

India is not a Football power, you put India before Australia, if it does go to USA for 2022, China could be the main competitor to Australia for 2022. Russia 2022? When England gets 2018? Clearly you don't know what your on about, as for the Middle East, only certain nations can host due to the extreme weather in the WC season.

Moon? Preposterous! Well it is a joke, but a lame one.

Look up your facts first, before you post such crap here. :ohno:

Italy? Italy wouldn't be considered a home of football, sure, it's the no 1 sport and all, but there are other nations which would be considered more of a "home" to football outside of England...

Which country, besides England, in Europe could be considered the home of football except the home of "calcio"; Italy?

We're talking about the country with the most World Cup titles, most European cup titles.

Well duh, it is, look up your facts first. Yes it is a harsh rival for England on account of the other bids being joint, and FIFA says any good single nation bid will be considered first before a joint one (so simply put, Portugal/Spain and Belgium/Netherlands really need to WOW FIFA or they won't even be considered).

The FIFA doesn't want 2 seperate World Cups, but 1 WC. The HollandBelgium bid is 1 organisation, uses each others infrastructure heavily, uses 1 currency, doesn't have border control (you don't even notice it) and the nations are not divided by the language, has it's own union (Benelux) that is going further and earlier than the European Union. The HollandBelgium has proved that it is able to create 1 Championship (Euro 2000), the same people are working together to go even further. In case of the Netherlands and Belgium it is really different, and can be considered as 1 real bid, just as a single bidding nation.

Blatter qualified the joint bid of Belgium and The Netherlands as valid and sympathetic. He underlined that this clearly is one entity presenting itself rather than two separate organisations as happened during the FIFA World Cup 2002 which was staged in Japan and South Korea. ,,The FIFA World Cup 2002 was hosted by two countries, with two local organizing committees, two currencies, two different languages and two international broadcasting centres,” Blatter clarified.

“We spent money on two World Cups but the benefits did hardly correspond to those of a single event. That was clearly not the way to organise a FIFA World Cup and therefore we then decided to no longer accept joint candidatures, But the Belgian-Dutch candidature is obviously another matter,” he stated. ,,Here we deal with a single entity. We obviously have two countries but there is only one organising committee. That seems to be a valid candidature which is fully acceptable to the FIFA Executive Committee.”

Blatter added: ,,The attempt of two countries which cannot be ranked among the large footballing countries in the world is sympathetic as they clearly defy larger nations such as England, Russia and the combination of Portugal and Spain.”

From: Thebid.org

Which country, besides England, in Europe could be considered the home of football except the home of "calcio"; Italy?

We're talking about the country with the most World Cup titles, most European cup titles.

England is considered the home of football because modern football was created there. Nothing more than that.

What makes Italy the HOME of football in Europe more than other countries like Germany, Spain, etc.? The number of World Cup titles? That makes Italy a powerhouse, not the home of the game! Its boring league with less and less spectators? Give me a break...

1 bid 2 nations ---> come on Holland and Belgium!!!!!!

Ok, 7 cities in Belgium and onlly 5 in the Netherlands. But there will be 2 stadiums in Rotterdam and 2 in Amsterdam. So 7 stadiums in both countries :D Oh, and if the WC will come to here, the Olympic Stadium of Amsterdam will expand (temporary). The version above is 55.000/65.000. The version below 45.000.

http://i33.tinypic.com/rliyw4.jpg

England is considered the home of football because modern football was created there. Nothing more than that.

What makes Italy the HOME of football in Europe more than other countries like Germany, Spain, etc.? The number of World Cup titles? That makes Italy a powerhouse, not the home of the game! Its boring league with less and less spectators? Give me a break...

I actully think that the discussion of a second home is kind of pointless.

But booring? Since when? Calcio is one of the most intriguing forms of football. And i honestly think Serie A is the best overall. La Liga is great football, but a 2 team fight between Real and Barca. And the crowd sucks.
Bundesliga has great crowds, but the football sucks most of the time.

Serie A is better overall in my opinon.

Less and less spectators?
No, thats not true. They had a couple of down years, but now it's getting better and better.

And THIS is how the Amsterdam ArenA could look like :)

http://i37.tinypic.com/jgldw7.jpg

The stadium will reach a height of almost 60m then....!

(Still not bigger than the proposed Nieuwe Kuip in Rotterdam though)

\/ The stadium today
http://www.onsoranje.nl/binaries/amsterdam-arena.jpg

Oh, and if the WC will come to here, the Olympic Stadium of Amsterdam will expand (temporary).

Don't get me wrong, but that's... terrible.

The stadium will reach a height of almost 60m then....!

If that's the case (and from what I see from that picture), although they can lift the roof it'll have to be a bit larger, since that third tier will also make the stadium larger.

Sorry, I meant 100m.

I actully think that the discussion of a second home is kind of pointless.

But booring? Since when? Calcio is one of the most intriguing forms of football. And i honestly think Serie A is the best overall. La Liga is great football, but a 2 team fight between Real and Barca. And the crowd sucks.
Bundesliga has great crowds, but the football sucks most of the time.

Serie A is better overall in my opinon.

Less and less spectators?
No, thats not true. They had a couple of down years, but now it's getting better and better.

Of course the discussion of a second home is pointless.

You're Italian, right? Honestly, Serie A is no way near what it was 15 years ago. From overall opinions, Serie A is nowadays kinda boring. And if in Spain it's a two team bout, for years Serie A as been a one team league.

And the truth is that when Italian teams play in Europe they look so surpassed by other powerhouses. They don't have the same rythm, the same playing quality, etc. I can't say Italy is going through a golden age and its image became even worse since CalcioCaos.

If that's the case (and from what I see from that picture), although they can lift the roof it'll have to be a bit larger, since that third tier will also make the stadium larger.
Actually, the proposal is to dig down, since the existing lower stand is considered further from the pitch than desired. I don't believe they've done the solid logistics of this design, but that's the proposal I've seen matched with the picture above.

Hum.... I see. But, there's a tunnel below the stadium.

And, that picture that I showed you was photoshoped by a member of SSC. All Dutch media used it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/Population_density_Europe.png

This is the reason why belgium and holland should get the WC

Good luck using that as the central argument in your bid's final presentation. Not sure it'll have quite the same impact as Rio 2016's map (http://www.gamesbids.com/eng/thumbnail.php?file=themap_935927997.jpg&size=article_medium)! ;)

Good luck using that as the central argument in your bid's final presentation. Not sure it'll have quite the same impact as Rio 2016's map (http://www.gamesbids.com/eng/thumbnail.php?file=themap_935927997.jpg&size=article_medium)! ;)

I think that map will work even better for cape town 2020

About joint bids...



"NO RESTA POSIBILIDADES QUE PIENSEN JUNTOS EN EL MUNDIAL"

Blatter: "Sabemos de la solvencia del proyecto conjunto de España y Portugal"
"Sé que los españoles se quejaron en la pasada Copa de las Confederaciones del mal estado de algunos campos, pero seguro que estarán perfectos para el Mundial"

Joseph Blatter, presidente de la FIFA, afirmó que el hecho de que España haya presentado una candidatura con Portugal para organizar el Mundial 2018 ó 2022, "no le resta posibilidades".

"Reconozco que en el pasado, sobre todo después de la mala experiencia del Mundial de Corea y Japón en 2002, desaconsejamos que hubiera candidaturas conjuntas, pero esto ha cambiado porque sabemos de la solvencia del proyecto de España y Portugal", comentó Blatter.

En cuanto a la organización de Sudáfrica 2010, afirmó a EFE que "todo marcha bien". "Sé que los españoles se quejaron en la pasada Copa de las Confederaciones del mal estado de algunos campos, pero seguro que estarán perfectos para el Mundial".

Source (http://www.marca.com/2009/11/14/futbol/seleccion/1258155178.html)


Translation:

Joseph Blatter, FIFA's President, said that the fact that Spain has submitted a bid with Portugal to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, "does not reduce its possibilities."

"I recognize that in the past, especially after the bad experience of the World Cup in Korea and Japan in 2002, we discouraged joint candidacies, but this has changed because we know the creditworthiness of Spain and Portugal's project," said Blatter.

message from poxuy:

Russia 2018/2022 Bid Committee at Soccerex 09

http://www.russia2018-2022.com/media/22322/redsquarelounge.jpg

The Russia 2018/2022 Bid Committee will sponsor the "Red Square Lounge", a networking Café at Soccerex 09 in Johannesburg.

The Russian bid, which has already received praise from the FIFA President, will be in a position to promote itself to some of the most influential figures in the international football community including FIFA Executive Committee members Franz Beckenbauer, Rafael Salguero, Ricardo Teixeira and Jack Warner. The presence of the Red Square Lounge at the heart of the Soccerex exhibition will give the bid committee the opportunity to highlight Russia's quest to host its first ever World Cup.

Alexey Sorokin, CEO of both the Football Union of Russia and the 2018/2022 Bid Committee commented: "The 'Red Square Lounge' refers to Russia's most iconic place while also conveying a sophisticated, cosmopolitan feeling that is representative of today's Russia. Having such a visible presence at Soccerex will be an integral part of our promotional activity to present and explain the unique features of the Russian bid and help us to secure the attention of the key decision makers in football."

Soccerex 09 will run from 28 November to 2 December in Johannesburg, South Africa.
http://www.russia2018-2022.com/en/news--events/events/28112009-russia-20182022-bid-committee-at-soccerex.aspx[/QUOTE]

Portugal/Spain

Russia's bid might have taken a hit due to failing to qualify for 2010...

^^ erm how does that work out?

Missing out is by-the-by they are a big football country with intent, and anyway they missed out on a technicality (away goals, worst rule ever) and the fact that /UEFA doesn't know how to seed groups properly... they would've qualified out of every other section which shows how unfair the world cup really is.

...You're Italian, right? Honestly, Serie A is no way near what it was 15 years ago. From overall opinions, Serie A is nowadays kinda boring. And if in Spain it's a two team bout, for years Serie A as been a one team league.

And the truth is that when Italian teams play in Europe they look so surpassed by other powerhouses. They don't have the same rythm, the same playing quality, etc. I can't say Italy is going through a golden age and its image became even worse since CalcioCaos.

No, I'm not italian. Then I wouldn't write nearly as good english as I do. :lol:

Sure, it isn't as dominating as in the past, but it is still big and keeps getting bigger. The top clubs keep making very smart moves on good players so the teams are improving. Just look at Juventus.

Sure, Inter has been dominating, but that is about to change. I'd say that Juve or Sampdoria is going to win this year.

Surpassed? No... Sure, they don't play the extraordinary football of Barcelona, but then again they still keep on winning their games, and getting the points.
Look at the Champions; Inter in top, Rubin kazan as second and Barcelona in third...

And people seem to forget that Milan won the Champions League two years ago...

Article from English paper Independent with their version of chances:

How the World Cup bid rivals compare

Which spin doctors could swing the votes, who are the favourites, and which outsiders have the other nations worried?

England

Has the stadiums, infrastructure and global interest in its domestic game. Last hosted longer ago (1966) than any other major European football nation. But any hint of "divine right" would be damaging, so the 2018 team are steering well clear of any such message. Ticks all the boxes to host a huge event within weeks, let alone nine years. Average odds on winning 2018 world Cup: 2-1

Russia

Has never held the event, which is an emotional pull (think Rio for the 2016 Olympics) and bid is supported vocally by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. No expense spared in campaigning for the event. Security is a concern, so too the geographical spread of venues. Having no team at the 2010 World Cup will be a minor setback, a lost opportunity for showcasing on-field change. Russia has a key asset in its main spin doctor, Andreas Herren, who joined after holding the top PR role for years at Fifa, where he is well connected. Odds: 4-1

Portugal & Spain

Who doesn't like the idea of a sunny Iberian tournament with two of the grandest cathedrals – the Bernabeu and the Nou Camp – at centre stage? This bid will get the automatic support of the South American Conmebol bloc. However, dual bids still do not sit entirely comfortably with the Fifa president, Sepp Blatter. Odds: 7-2

Netherlands & Belgium

The European outsiders, who co-hosted a major event as recently as 2000. Playing catch-up with facilities and global support. Odds: 20-1

United States

Will mount a strong technical bid with huge financial rewards for Fifa, as in 1994, since when they have developed their pro league, the MLS. Will probably struggle to oust Europe as the hosts in 2018 purely because of Uefa's eight votes. The US has big, fan-friendly stadiums, plus the backing of President Barack Obama. Odds: 25-1

Australia

Dark horses from a genuinely sport-mad nation. They are employing top-class spin doctor Peter Hargitay, the fantastically connected Swiss-Hungarian former adviser to Blatter. A character for whom the adjective "colourful" could have been invented. Google him. Odds: 3-1

Indonesia

Bidding on a development mantra but lacks facilities, infrastructure and any widespread support. Odds: 40-1

Japan

Co-hosted a friendly, efficient trouble-free 2002 World Cup, and therein lies the problem – too recent host. Odds: 20-1

South Korea

Only running for 2022 event. Problem: co-hosted the competition recently, in 2002). Odds (for 2022): Unavailable

Qatar

The crowd atmosphere at England against Brazil was nil. The heat is stifling. But petrodollars and geopolitics go far. Also boasts another of sport's sultans of spin: Mike Lee, a former Premier League spokesman who helped London and Rio win the Olympics. Odds (for 2022): Unavailable.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/how-the-world-cup-bid-rivals-compare-1823935.html

So the Australian bid odds are bigger than Russia's? Yeah, right...

Well, if that's where the money's going...

Caborn: Russia main rivals to England 2018 bid

http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2009/1125/richardcaborn20091125_275x155.jpg

England's 2018 World Cup bid ambassador Richard Caborn MP has called for total unity among the bid team and revealed to ESPN Soccernet that Russia are England's main rivals to host the tournament.

Caborn is Prime Minister Gordon's Brown envoy on the bid team and helped select the team's senior members. The former Sports Minister believes Russia are breathing down England's neck in the race to host the World Cup and the English need a unifying presence - in the form of international striker-turned-TV presenter Gary Lineker - to steer the bid back on course.

"Everyone wants to win the bid. No one wants to win it more than I do," Caborn told ESPN Soccernet. "If it means drawing a line under all the internal squabbling, letting bygones be bygones, and for people to bite the bullet a little bit, then we should all do so for the good of the bid.

"Otherwise, if we don't all come together, our rivals will use it to their advantage to try to show the world that we shouldn't stage the World Cup in 2018, and I don't want that to happen.

"From what I hear, at the highest level I am told there is not much support for Spain, that Australia are outsiders, but that Russian are the real threat to England.

"The Russians are showing a unified front. They are playing hard on the fact that they have never staged a World Cup tournament before, and that if they did it would develop football in the entire Eastern Bloc.

"The reasons they are putting forward are similar to the ones behind South Africa's successful bid, and they are being very pro-active in what they are planning for grassroots football on the back of winning the bid.

"To stop them, we have to show FIFA that we have the best bid, that we are all behind it, and if there have been problems that we have overcome them."

Caborn has been invited onto local radio in Sheffield on Thursday morning, when he will be backing Sheffield's nomination to be one of the host cities for the World Cup.

Caborn has been one of the outspoken critics of the FA's handling of England 2018 bid board and, having been ousted from the board meetings, even as an observer, he has more reason than most to criticise members of the team. But instead of continuing the fall-out, he is making suggestions to help win the bid.

"When Seb Coe (ambassador to the successful 2012 London Olympic Games bid) was called in for the Olympics, he made a major impact, and I think Gary Lineker can do the same," Caborn said. "He can be football's Seb Coe in this bid. He is a communicator, and I know he would show interest despite all his commitments because I went to the trouble of taking some soundings some time ago.

"Sir Bobby Charlton fronted the 2006 bid that failed, and I think we need a modern-day Sir Bobby, and Gary Lineker is made for the job. He would help unify the bid, as he is popular with the media and would be a popular choice.

"Despite all that has been going on behind the scenes, if David Triesman walked through my door tomorrow, I would welcome him and tell him I would continue to do everything I can to help him win the bid, but that he has got to get the bid right."

On Tuesday, board member Sir Dave Richards resigned and caused another reason for FIFA to wonder what is going on behind the scenes of England's bid.

But Caborn, who knows Richards well, told ESPN Soccernet: "It ended up that Dave did not have a job with other appointments being made, and he resigned. I could go into graphic detail, but the point is that the FA need to be more inclusive. Most importantly, though, we must all back this bid.

"I can tell you everyone is 101% trying to win the bid. We just all need to come together to find a way of working together. It is time for everything else to cease."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=703534&sec=worldcup2010&cc=5739

Also, Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards quits English campaign board amid latest bout of infighting with Lord Triesman.

Australian version of chances :) :

World Cup Bidders - How They Stand

ENGLAND: Have the stadia, infrastructure and profile, but the bid team have recently been troubled by political infighting and resignations, most recently the departure from the board of Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards this week.

Star turn: David Beckham

SPAIN/PORTUGAL: Powerful opponents to England if FIFA decide to allow joint bids. Sepp Blatter was reported to have initially rejected a joint bid because of 'double' costs, but last month he spoke of how "honoured" he was when the respective Spanish and Portuguese association heavyweights personally made their way to FIFA HQ in Zurich to discuss the bid.

Star turn: Luis Figo

RUSSIA: Heavyweight bid in political terms as they can bring a vast amount of influence to bear. Russia have also never hosted a major football tournament and FIFA's rotation policy will most likely see a European country hosting the 2018 finals. Vast distances to contend with though - there are nine separate time zones and the struggles of Ukraine and Poland to prepare for Euro 2012 cannot help.

Star turn: Vladimir Putin

HOLLAND/BELGIUM: Another candidate waiting to see what unfolds regarding joint bids. Can at least demonstrate they worked well together to put on Euro 2000 and have the facilities but perhaps not the glamour of England and Spain/Portugal. They are organised and united though, unveiling their 12 potential cities a full month before England.

Star turn: Johann Cruyff

USA: Strong candidate - but for 2022 rather than 2018. Hosted the tournament fairly recently, in 1994, but that was judged a great success and FIFA remember fondly the television and marketing opportunities. Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid was recently rejected, which could affect a World Cup bid either way.

Star turn: Barack Obama

AUSTRALIA: Best of the candidates from the Asian confederation and the most likely destination if 2018 does not go to Europe. Can point to the fact that it would be a new territory for the World Cup, something that FIFA likes, plus is a sport-crazy nation with good infrastructure, and has a history of hosting successful sporting events such as the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Star turn: Frank Lowy, tycoon turned Football Federation Australia chairman

INDONESIA: Surprise entrants and rank outsiders with little heritage, infrastructure and influence of which to boast. The country does have a huge population of 235million and the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta has a capacity of 88,000. Have said they would prefer a 2022 bid for a more environmentally friendly 'Green' World Cup, which will certainly turn a few heads nearer the time.

Star turn: Rita Subowo - Indonesia's leading sports official and member of the International Olympic Committee.

JAPAN: Recent hosts, in 2002 jointly with Korea, and would undoubtedly be another commercial and administrative success. But at the moment are distant outsiders with little political influence, and surely cannot be chosen again so soon when so many other countries have not hosted the finals for decades, or indeed ever.

Star turn: Motoaki Inukai, president of the Japanese FA.

SOUTH KOREA (for 2022 only): Like Japan, have recently been hosts, and have the infrastructure. Forced FIFA into accepting them as joint hosts for 2002 by garnering significant support but their star has waned somewhat.

Star turn: FIFA vice-president Chung Mong Joon.

QATAR (for 2022 only): Following up their hopeless attempt for the 2016 Olympics by trying their luck for the World Cup. Still have not answered the question about how players would deal with the extreme heat in June/July - apart from one idea about an underground stadium. The atmosphere generated at the recent Brazil v England friendly was nil.

Star turn: Mike Lee, the spin doctor who masterminded London and Rio winning their respective Olympic bids is now spearheading Qatar's World Cup bid.
http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/117601,world-cup-bidders--how-they-stand.aspx

Vast distances to contend with though - there are nine separate time zones and the struggles of Ukraine and Poland to prepare for Euro 2012 cannot help.
Probably FourFourTwo didn't still see the cities-candidates of Russian bid. This is not the first time, when uninformed sources talking about "vast distances" as a problem of Russian bid :lol: . About second part: yes, Ukrainian preparations are horrible, but Russia is a country, where major events are supported and controlled by very responsible organisators, who know their job. CL Final 2008, Eurovision 2009, and very good organised preparations for Sochi 2014 are good examples.

Australian version of chances :) :


http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/117601,world-cup-bidders--how-they-stand.aspx


Probably FourFourTwo didn't still see the cities-candidates of Russian bid. This is not the first time, when uninformed sources talking about "vast distances" as a problem of Russian bid :lol: . About second part: yes, Ukrainian preparations are horrible, but Russia is a country, where major events are supported and controlled by very responsible organisators, who know their job. CL Final 2008, Eurovision 2009, and very good organised preparations for Sochi 2014 are good examples.

442 is always full of shit.

My prediction:

1. The 2018 bid will go to Europe - Russia.

2. The 2022 bid will go to Australia.

Russians put England's 2018 World Cup bid in the shade

Executives behind England's 2018 World Cup bid today announced they had finally secured the full £15m budget needed to fund it. However, their relief was short-lived after their Russian rivals announced a target figure of $40m (£24m) and revealed they planned to ask Roman Abramovich and other oligarchs to dip into their pockets for a few roubles more.

The 2018 chief executive, Andy Anson, in South Africa this week to lobby Fifa executive committee members ahead of Friday's World Cup draw, had hoped the government would contribute a third of their budget. But amid concern about public money being used to fly around the world and entertain Fifa executive committee members in straitened economic times, the government instead offered a £2.5m loan.

Anson revealed that the £250,000 each promised by the 12 host cities who emerge from the ongoing bidding process would help bridge the gap, while the FA had agreed to make up the difference. Dismissing concerns that England could lose out to better-funded rivals, Anson said the deal left the 2018 team "in good shape financially". "We've got the money we need to do the best possible bid."

Such concerns are not liable to trouble Alexey Sorokin, the chief executive of Russia's 2018 bid. He said he was confident of more than doubling the $20m it was receiving from the government from private sources, using the same model that has proved profitable for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics bid.

"We know that Abramovich supports the idea of the bid, although I don't know if he's publicly announced that," said Sorokin. "There are other people involved in football that are very well off that will be requested for assistance."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/01/england-russia-2018-world-cup

There will be first bid presentations at december 4th, before the draw.

Rauball: Deutsche Unterstützung für WM in Russland (http://www.ftd.de/sport/fussball/auslandsfussball/news/:rauball-deutsche-unterstuetzung-fuer-wm-in-russland/50045027.html)

In English: Germany will support Russian WC bid :) .

Rauball: Deutsche Unterstützung für WM in Russland (http://www.ftd.de/sport/fussball/auslandsfussball/news/:rauball-deutsche-unterstuetzung-fuer-wm-in-russland/50045027.html)

In English: Germany will support Russian WC bid :) .

Is this a late revenge for England's bid for the 2006 WC? Beckenbauer as german's and the world's football - "Lichtgestalt" has a big influence in Fifa's executive committee, his favourite was England up to now, but who knows...

Beckenbauer has said all along he's supporting England. So either they've changed their mind or something's amiss.

However, their relief was short-lived after their Russian rivals announced a target figure of $40m (£24m) and revealed they planned to ask Roman Abramovich and other oligarchs to dip into their pockets for a few roubles more.
Considering the billions they've (in essence) stolen from the Russian populace I think this would be fair of them.






:|

2018-England or Russia

2022-USA or Australia

Considering the billions they've (in essence) stolen from the Russian populace I think this would be fair of them.

:|

Come again?

Where will be the bid presentations online today?

Come again?
To put it lightly, the current Russian business oligarchs like Abromovich came about their wealth through shady political arrangements that adversely impacted local economies. Swindlers with political connections. Thus, there is no nobility in approving of their wealth, let alone celebrating it.

All videos from today's presentations:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/bidders/index.html

Holland/Belgium's is great! :lol:

My prediction:

1. The 2018 bid will go to Russia

2. The 2022 bid will go to Indonesia

Portugal & Spain

Is this a late revenge for England's bid for the 2006 WC? Beckenbauer as german's and the world's football - "Lichtgestalt" has a big influence in Fifa's executive committee, his favourite was England up to now, but who knows...

It sounds like England is still being supported by Beckenbauer but the League President is supporting Russia.

It still seems a bit strange, but if I had to pick between the two as to who supported the English bid I'd pick Der Kaiser every time.

The best one was Australia's; really excellent film which got its point across and was slick.

I liked Holland/Belgium's next. Well made, got the point across and you've got to love their crazy sense of humour.

I think England's comes after these two; it got the point across very well indeed but wasn't as slick as either of the above.

The USA, Russia, and Spain/Portugal come next. The USA was substance over style, lots of stats but somehow not as exciting as I thought it should be. Russia and Spain/Portugal were the opposite, nicely made, but didn't tell me why FIFA should go to either.

Qatar's I only watched to see how much they put into it really; I don't think they've got much of a chance. And, despite being the most expensive looking, it was a lovely piece of spin and not much more. I didn't believe any of it, it felt very fake. The least convincing of the ones I watched.

The others I didn't bother watching. Japan and Korea are a bit cheeky bidding so soon after 2002, and I don't think Indonesia will be getting either world cup.

^^ you know, the message about why WC should be in their country, were sent not only through these videos. It was just an addition to presentations and few days of Bid Expo before, where every country could explain everything and answer on any questions. I want to say that analyzing bids only by videos is not enough.

Russia is a very good! Spartak Moscow forewer!

^^ you know, the message about why WC should be in their country, were sent not only through these videos. It was just an addition to presentations and few days of Bid Expo before, where every country could explain everything and answer on any questions. I want to say that analyzing bids only by videos is not enough.

Did I say it was? Where did I say in my post I was doing anything more than analysing the videos?

I was talked mostly about this:
"but didn't tell me why FIFA should go to either."

They didn't show it in video, because were explaining it during all Expo.

Oh ok.

Russia Presents Bid at High-profile Events in South Africa

http://russia2018-2022.com/media/23710/final-draw.jpg

Taking stock after an intense week of bidding activities at high-profile events in South Africa, the Russian Bid Committee for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup™ has drawn a number of positive conclusions.

"I am happy to say that we have had a great deal of encouraging and positive feedback", Minister of Sports, Tourism and Youth Policy, Vitaly Mutko stated.

Mutko, who is also a member of the FIFA Executive Committee, led the delegation including bid CEO Alexey Sorokin, former national team captain and bid ambassador Alexey Smertin and bid Director of Planning and Operations, Alexander Djordjadze.

At the FIFA Bidder Expo in Cape Town on 4 December the delegation gave in-depth explanations to more than 200 media and dignitaries why Russia should be awarded the right to host either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup. Also attending the event were several of Minister Mutko's fellow colleagues of the FIFA Executive Committee, such FIFA Vice-Presidents Dr Chung Mong-Joon (Korea Republic) and Angel Maria Villar Llona (Spain) as well Executive Committee members Dr Michel D'Hooghe (Belgium) and Junji Ogura (Japan) and Dr Danny Jordaan, the CEO of the Local Organising Committee South Africa 2010.

The bidder expo was held at the Leeuwenhof Estate, the official residence of the Premier of the Western Cape Province in Cape Town. Premier Helen Zille was welcomed at Russia's booth by Minister Mutko, who provided her with a comprehensive account of the Russian bid.

Earlier in the week, from 30 November to 2 December, the bid delegation had been present at Soccerex in Johannesburg, welcoming a large number of visitors to its "Red Square Lounge" and having courtesy meetings with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, as well as FIFA Executive Committee members, Dr Amos Adamu (Nigeria) and Franz Beckenbauer (Germany).

In their statements, the bid committee also emphasized that legacy is to be a key part of the Russian lobbying campaign. "It would be a historic choice and an investment in the future," said bid CEO Sorokin. "Making the World Cup happen in Russia would change the future not only of football but of sport generally in our country."

FIFA will award the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups™ at a special meeting of its Executive Committee on 2 December 2010.
http://russia2018-2022.com/en/news--events/news/russia-presents-bid-at-high-profile-events-in-south-africa.aspx

ZSh93fl8bQQ

Accents :lol: )

Some last news about Russian bid.

Company, which will help to prepare Bid Book and all events is "Helios Partners, LLC". They worked on Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, Kazan 2013.
The design of stadium and all infrastrucutre will be made by Swiss architectural company "Implenia Global Solutions Ltd."
"Marcus Siegler Consulting" will communicate with FIFA on bid. Marcus Siegler is a former FIFA director of communications from Switzerland, who worked there more than 5 years. Andreas Herren, PR head of FIFA and "right hand" of Blatter also working on bid.

During december, represantatives of "Russia-2018" Bidding Commettee, represantatives of architectural bureuos, including Roland Fisch (director of Swiss company "Implenia"), Tim Huppe (Swiss company "Tim Huppe Architekten"), Philip Buell (Swiss company "Nussli"), Ruben Ready ("Ruben Ready Architechts", prepared all projects for WC-2010) - all of them are travelling around cities-candidates and analyzing all that necessary.
Tim Huppe, for example, will work on "Luzhniki" reconstruction, new "Spartak" stadium, new stadiums in Saransk, Volgograd and Krasnodar.

I should remind that FIFA headquarters is in Switzerland and Sepp Blatter is from Switzerland :) .

Blatter vsoy kupil ha ha ha

The World Cup should go to The Netherlands/Belgium. Brazil and The Netherlands play the most exciting football in the world and Netherlands never hosted the world cup before and neither has Belgium. Also every tournament (Euro 2000, U21 2007) hosted in the Netherlands (with the Euro also in Belgium) was a great success in any way.

Belgium football has gone downhill and should be at a much higher level and the world cup could give them the boost they need, just like in Russia. Why not England? Because the already had it before those greedy bastards, not to mention that English competition has become nothing but a matter of who has the largest bank account.

Who will get it? England of course... because this whole Fifa is just one bunch of incapable corrupt clowns....sigh

Boring, boring, boring, boring. Some real reasons about stadium infrastructure, sporting culture, love of football, plans for hosting the tournament etc. would be nice rather than pointless jabs at competitors.

I shake my head when I hear some of my fellow countrymen saying "England won't get it because this whole Fifa is just one bunch of incapable corrupt clowns." It's not particularly enlightening to hear a similarly "well-reasoned" argument from the opposite perspective.

So, Mr 10 posts, learn to use these forums properly please. Discuss Netherlands/Belgium (that'd be nice as we don't have many people talking about that bid here), but if you resort to posts like the one above, you won't last long here. Sorry.

The latest news in Belgium is that Standard Liège won’t build a new stadium but they will expand their current stadium (Sclessin) to 45.000. Because it is cheaper then building a new stadium. Also it is certain that there will be a new stadium of 45.000 in Bruges for the 2 teams (Club Bruges and Cercle Bruges). And that’s about it. Maybe later I will post an update of all the Belgian stadiums.

Belgium & Netherlands !

Portugal & Spain

Russia 2018/2022

As some countries already choosed cities and have practically all stadium projects, I am posting some numbers, what we know for today. Final numbers and projects will be known until 14.05.10.

Moscow (80,000 + 40,000-45,000)

http://i.imagehost.org/0352/bsa22_3.jpg

http://i.imagehost.org/0882/20_3.jpg

St. Petersburg (62,000-67,000)

http://i.imagehost.org/0039/x_9b70bcb8_3.jpg

Kazan (45,000)

http://i.imagehost.org/0946/4093465680_d4db3b392c_o_3.jpg

Sochi (45,000)

http://i.imagehost.org/0257/OS_m_b_3.jpg

BID:
14 CITIES
15 STADIUMS (12 NEW + 3 RECONSTRUCTED)