Its official: Football might come home

England officially launched the bids for the 2018/2022 World Cups today, and I have to say, considering it was us, it was a mildly impressive affair. Lots of big names turned up to say “Yeah, its about time really” at Wembley and talk up the reasons why England should have a World Cup (Its been ages, we have the Stadia, good transport, we really like football etc)

Among the people there, David Beckham added a bit of glamour, Geoff Hurst added a bit of history and beleaguered Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced it is his own mission to make sure we get the 2018 World Cup. Alright so the last one is a massive PR move, but it probably can’t do much harm.

Looking at the bidders, I think we might stand a chance of getting one of the World Cups. There are some strong other bids, but we might just nick one I think.

The main thing, I think is that although there are two World Cups, so almost two chances to get one, I doubt FIFA will want two successive World Cups in Europe, so we have to be the strongest of the European bids.

The Other Bids and What I Think Of Them:

Australia
Actually could be a good bid, they probably have the money and the Stadia to do it.

Belgium & Netherlands
Do you remember Euro 2000? I can’t remember much. That might just be because England were rubbish though. Potentially the value of the Dutch could give this one strength.

Indonesia
Surely an outsider?

Japan
Undoubtedly could host a good World Cup (see 2002) but might have had it a bit too recently.

South Korea
See Above. With the added fact that some countries (Italy for example) are probably still mad at them.

Mexico
Obviously at the moment, there is the whole Swine Flu nonsense, but that’ll be well over by 2018. People have good memories of 1970.

Qatar
I don’t see FIFA going the money is good route myself.

Russia
I think they have a really good chance. Russian football is in the ascendency at the moment, with Arshavin, the rise of the Zenit and their performance at the Euros last time out. They have the money to realistically hold one, but with Ukraine holding the Euro’s next time around, UEFA countries might lend their support elsewhere.

Spain & Portugal
Could be a strong bid, as both have strong football sides and countries full of love for the game. The only things that might get in the way are if countries don’t fancy another joint bid, are worried about Spanish politics, or worry about the fact there are two languages for some to learn.

USA
Could go either way. With the rise in profile of the MLS post-Beckham, its certainly the time for America to convince the world it actually does care about football. They had it in 94, but its probably long enough to bid again. But most countries will worry about American indifference, but will want to win them over for money reasons. Whichever feeling wins that battle will decide the bid.

So there you go. In my view, the strongest bids come from Europe, which is a pain really, as there probably won’t be two in Europe. We’ll find out in December 2010 who has it.