Photo by ISIphotos.com
By JOEY SAMUEL
Many soccer fans and pundits expect the United States to bid to host the 2026 World Cup, but that won't be the only CONCACAF nation looking to earn the honor.
The Mexican football federation announced on Friday that it will also enter the field of countries looking to host the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup. Federation president Justino Compean revealed his country's intentions in an interview with Mexican media outlets.
Mexico previously bid to host either the 2018 or the 2022 World Cup, but the federation removed themselves before the voting process began, allowing CONCACAF to consolidate behind the United States. Now Mexico plans on bidding again, even though it will likely face American opposition once more.
Both the 1970 and 1986 versions of the World Cup were held in Mexico, and no country has ever hosted the World Cup three times. Brazil will host the tournament for the second time in 2014 after first hosting in 1950. The United States has hosted once, in 1994.
Mexico has established itself as a force in global soccer in recent years. After reaching the round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup, Mexico began to shine at various youth levels, winning the 2011 U-17 World Cup and capturing the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Mexico took third place at the 2011 U-20 World Cup. Mexico also won the 2011 Gold Cup, beating the United States in the final.
Here are some other stories from around the world of soccer today:
UNITED STATES U-17 WNT TIES IN WORLD CUP OPENER
The United States U-17 women's national team began its quest to capture the 2012 U-17 Women's World Cup on Saturday, playing to a scoreless draw with France.
After North Korea began Group B play with an 11-0 thrashing of Gambia, the U.S. took the field against a strong France side that took second at this year's U-17 UEFA women's championship. France were the more dangerous side throughout, creating 23 shots and 12 shots on goal, while the U.S. could only muster one shot on goal. But the Americans kept France off the scoreboard and the teams each earned a single point.
This year's edition of the U-17 Women's World Cup is taking place in Azerbaijan. The U.S., which failed to qualify for this tournament in 2010, returns to action on Tuesday when they face Gambia in Baku.
SANTOS LOOK TO SIGN KAKA FROM MADRID
Few expected Brazilian midfielder Kaka to remain with Real Madrid into the 2012-13 La Liga season. After all, the club had openly tried to sell him back to his former club of AC Milan. But that deal fell through, and Kaka is still with Los Blancos, although he still has his share of suitors.
Brazilian club Santos are interested in bringing Kaka back to his home country, manager Muricy Ramalho revealed in a press conference. Santos, the team that boasts the likes of young phenom Neymar, is in need of a playmaker after selling Ganso to Sao Paulo in the summer.
Kaka has never truly established himself as a starter with Real Madrid. While his move back to Milan collapsed this summer, his wife revealed that he would be highly interested in a return to Brazil, and he may now have his opportunity.
PORTLAND'S BOYD LIKELY OUT FOR SEASON
Portland Timbers striker Kris Boyd has experienced a tumultous first season in Major League Soccer, and now it appears as though that season has come to an abrupt end.
Boyd suffered a groin strain in Portland's 2-2 draw with San Jose on Wednesday, and is now likely done for the rest of the 2012 season. The Timbers told MLSsoccer.com that Boyd will miss four to six weeks, which makes it unlikely that Boyd would return to the field this year.
Since signing before the start of the season, Boyd has experienced his share of ups and downs. He got off to a slow start, notching only three goals in his first 11 starts, but he now leads the team with seven goals. Since the firing of manager John Spencer, though, Boyd has only started in six of 12 matches.
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What do you think of these developments? Could you see Mexico earning the right to host the 2026 World Cup? How far will the U.S. U-17 women go in Azerbaijan? Would a move to Santos be good for Kaka? Do you see Boyd returning for Portland next season?
Share your thoughts below.