GOUSABID's goal of having more than 1 million soccer enthusiasts sign the petition to bring the World Cup back to the USA was exceeded.  The United States is poised to show its passion and support for the international game of soccer.

While in the United States, the FIFA Inspection Delegation will have the opportunity to experience firsthand some of the bid’s proposed stadiums, training sites, FIFA Fan Fest venues, transportation, hotels, media facilities and much more. One of the interesting rules of the FIFA bidding process is that only 72 hours can be spent in each bidding country.  Therefore, the 18 cities competing for the games have traveled to meet the delegation in New York City.   Unfortunately, the FIFA group will not be visiting San Diego on their tour and will only see New York, Washington, Miami, Dallas and Houston.

“On behalf of our cities and people, the USA Bid Committee is honored to welcome the FIFA Delegation to the United States,” said Sunil Gulati, president of U.S. Soccer and chairman of USA Bid Committee. “Our respect for the importance of this visit is matched only by our passion for the game and our commitment to deliver a bid that will be considered worthy of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. To the FIFA Family and the global soccer community, we pledge and promise our very best and look forward to 

sharing our vision with the FIFA Delegation throughout the tour next week.”  

The schedule for the technical inspection is fast paced and grueling.  For instance, on Wednesday, September 8, the FIFA delegation will visit 3 cities in one single day;  Washington, D.C., Miami and Dallas and tour stadiums and convention facilities.  With so little time, the FIFA delegation will have to discover the joys of San Diego without a personal visit.

According to Channel 10 NEWS, "San Diego is among the 18 cities that were narrowed from a pool of 27 originally considered to potentially host World Cup matches. Ultimately, only 12 cities will actually host World Cup matches.

The attendance of World Cup in South Africa was not as high as expected. Television viewers watched games played in stadiums with empty seats.   FIFA claims that corporate ticket holders purchased tickets and did not attend all the matches.  The total attendance for the 2010 South Africa World Cup was 3.18 million.

The competition is tough for the World Cup, with many established soccer countries bidding to host the upcoming World Cup as well. The countries include England, Russia, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Australia, Japan and South Korea.  

The FIFA delegation has just completed 72 hours in Spain/Portugal and before that, England.  “All needs and objectives of our visit were met. We have seen a full commitment of the government as well as from all candidate host cities”, said Harold Mayne-Nicholls, Head of the six-person FIFA group.  In England, the FIFA committee toured London, Manchester, Newcastle and Sunderland and included visits to Old Trafford, St. James’ Park, Stadium of Light, City of Manchester and Wembley as well as various training sites, "We hope, we have demonstrated the enormous potential of the England bid." says England's bid CEO Andy Anso.  Now it is America's turn.

Written by Diane Scavuzzo