The bid representatives for all the nations bidding for either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup are presenting their bids today and if you regret not being able to be in Zurich for it all, you can see it as if you were there.
FIFA is providing a live streaming video of the bids. You can watch them here. The U.S.A. bid presentation is at 11am ET.
While you take in the presentations, here is my question for SBI readers. Where will you be watching the World Cup bid announcements on Thursday morning? Watching it at a watch party, or will you be watching at home (on Fox Soccer Channel at 10am, or any of the other various stations showing it).
Let us know where you will be watching what could be one of the most historic moments in American soccer in the comments section below.
I hope Fifa realizes that the technology would be awesome if they were holding it THIS year. But you think that if Japan has it already (which they claim they do), dont you think that in all of 12 years we’ll probably be able to figure it out too?
Oh, thats not nearly as cool as 50 billion people. On account of theres not 50 billion people on earth.
Pretty Cool Technology they are proposing. I thought the US bid committee should have discussed how technology will play into delivering our World Cup to the World (smartphones, internet, etc.)to minimize the impressiveness of what Japan proposes b/c most of what they propose will be commonplace in much of the world and will not be as ground breaking as they make it all sound. That being said the 3D live viewing sounds pretty great.
As a female fan who would like to travel to the World Cup, I’d feel very uncomfortable in a place where women are treated as second class citizens. Would I have to wear jeans in the summer or fall when it was over 100 degrees fahrenheit? I know that I don’t have to choose to travel there (and wouldn’t) but the WC is a world event and a great cultural and world unifier. And it would really suck if FIFA awarded it to a country that doesn’t share in those unifying values (which are supposed to go beyond things like nationalities, race, gender, etc.) just because they are rich.
No, I think they said there will be 50 billion screens or methods (smartphones, ipads, etc) to view the games by 2022.
Did Japan just promise 50 BILLION TV Viewers!?
It is kinda of clear that the 3 best bids (USA Australia and Qatar) are for 2022. Sadly FIFA wants Europe to host basically every other year. (except this time it will be after 2)
I thought he did a great job bringing home the point that there is money in it for FIFA. What was great about it was that he did it in a wonderful way, that FIFA will have the funding to carry out its social objectives without saying they will be able to line their pockets as well. NOT a Clinton fan but I thought he was excellent!
Clinton’s speech attempted to connect the 2 most important things to FIFA, money and legacy. Smart move to me.
It also hit on how that money can help developing nations which could help us win some african votes. As a bonus he mentioned womens soccer.
Could be worse. Could be W.
Not disagreeing with you but a lot can change in 12 years… look no further than South Africa and how sports can impact a nation (from Rugby to Football) and look at a country like China and India from the mid 1990s to 2010.
And Qatar has a really pathetic national team, during the last WCQ I think they imported a few Uruguayans to play for their national team…
I agree, he did a nice job of hitting the high points and mixing in personal experience. In addition, Clinton is well respected Internationally for his Foundation work and he did a fine job reminding folks of the US’s ability to have positive global impact.
I thought Clinton gave an understated but convincing presentation.
Typically, I would agree with you. Not today. He lacked any charisma. He looked more like Al Gore.
Clinton is a damn good closer…tone, appeal, pace…good finish!
Right, where is he going with this?
Man, Bill is supposed to be our charismatic ace in the hole … he is failing at his job.
Remember that a lot of the FIFA voters we want to snag are African and from developing countries… the sorts of places that the foundation helps.
Good points to consider. Although I wouldn’t condemn an entire country for the actions of one organization (no matter how reprehensible those actions). In our own US, many country clubs have tried and continue to try to keep out minority members (granted, we have anti-discrimination laws and the Equal protection clause to combat this racist sentiment, but the fact remains that the sentiment exists). Do recent incidents of government-backed (blatant or veiled) oppression or antisemitism exist?
Qatar’s money definitely poses a concern in light of FIFA’s apparent susceptibility to corruption.
Clinton is killing us by trying to promote his foundation. Nobody cares Bill!
He just had to say the G word didnt he?
Bill is usually an excellent speaker, seems he isn’t on point!
Haha
US Bid full of facts & figures, Qatar based on a compelling emotional appeal. Australia’s was a bit of a joke – trying to be lighthearted and funny.
Gotta say, the US pitch is pretty tight and balanced. Good show compared to the others.
I’m glad that Sunil is talking about what’s important to FIFA, money. Good job on this bid committee.
Gulati’s presentation just showed the future of Soccer specific stadiums and one popped up in Seattle in about 2015.
Interesting.
So does this video of future SSS confirm that Atlanta and Miami are the next MLS teams?
STOP TALKING SUNIL. Geez his voice is driving me nuts. Go back to Morgan or Landon.
Thoughts from the US bid presentation so far:
1. Morgan Freeman can’t keep the pages of his speech in order.
2. Sunil Gulati has a VERY high-pitched voiced.
3. Still love seeing the Donovan goal vs. Algeria (they played the clip before Landycakes spoke).
Qatar’s video was nice, but up until the part about the Israelis playing and watching alongside Arabs. That’s just a stupid attempt to sound nice, and we all know it’s not true at all. Qatar might have the money in the world, but to host a World Cup, their social standards still have a long way to go before they’re acceptable for anyone who isn’t a male Muslim.
Anyone who doesn’t believe me about their position on Jews, the WTA (Women’s pro tennis circut) had a big tournament in Doha a few years ago and the tournament director refused to allow entry to a Israeli player (even though she was top 10 in the world at the time), simply because she was a Jew.
And lastly, their team sucks. Atleast South Africa had some players playing at the top levels in Europe. I can’t think of 1 player from Qatar that has actually played to a decent European standard.
hahaha. Morgan!
“Im sorry ive missed a page”. Damn
“Women’s football mentioned in at least one bid”
SNAP
Yeah, Qatar’s was beautiful. I’m almost willing to give it to them. Australia’s was a joke really. Some a goofy looking animal (hugh jackman) and a cartoon Kangaroo?
Srsly?
Qatar was the first presentation I managed to catch (I’m Pacific Time), but it was very emotional. I agree with your point about how they emphasised bring the cup to a new part of the world for the first time (sorta like if you have the WC here, all will be peace and light). Hard for FIFA to resist.
Looking forward to seeing the US and others so I can really compare and contrast the presentations (watching here at work)
The Qatar bid just gave me goosebumps. I’m all for the USA bid but you have to give credit to the people who created that video.
Yea for sure, the social impact could be massive, hard to argue against that if they want to have an impact in the same way as in 2002 and 2010.
It’s mind-boggling to me that Qatar is mentioned as a possible 2022 site.
Avg. high temperature in July: 115 F (that’s average – some days are hotter)
Want a beer to cool off at the game? Good luck with that. Most bars are located in expensive hotels, and alcohol is not permitted in public (Wiki).
Tourist attractions when you’re not at a game?
[cue crickets]
qatar just showed beer taps in their bid video. thats false advertising.
The Qatar bid presentation has been pretty good so far. Pretty convincing argument about bringing the World Cup to a new part of the world for the first time that it will be pretty hard for FIFA to resist.
Watching at work from my SLINGBOX!!
no. the bidding nations are making their final presentations today. the winners will be announced tomorrow morning.
I will watch it discreetly at my work and try not to scream like I did when Landon buried that goal against Algeria if the US gets the bid
Will they announce the winners today?
I was wondering what I was going to do with my Wednesday afternoon, and now I know.
Clayton, please be reminded that not all of us are located in the U.S. At any rate, if I was a betting man, I’d put my money on England in 2018, and Australia in 2022. I’d love to see the World Cup on our shores but I don’t imagine them giving it to us. Here’s to 2026.
Agree with SBI. Nothing like having a party and drinking in the am to get your day started off on the right foot. USA!
Im an idiot. Apologies.
It’s interesting seeing Korea’s not so subtle attempts to contrast their bid w/ the USA’s bid. (flight times, crime, etc)
Does anyone know when the USA presentation is? Im watching Korea right now and Im just wondering whether I missed it or not.
Why would you have a World Cup bid announcement watch party? And that has nothing to do with it taking place at 10 in the morning on a weekday.
(SBI-Why? Because it’s a potentially historic moment and the USA getting to host World Cup 2022 would be a moment worth celebrating. Yes, 10am is early, but some people are definitely getting together to watch.)