Not intended to be a political debate, but it could be said that any assistance from the president was really just serving the purpose of trying to undo any harm his rhetoric and policies may have caused to the bid's chances. Direct evidence being the letters about travel openness to all.
Looking at the breakdown of votes, it's clear that he did not hurt the cause. If anything, he helped by reminding some countries that he would be paying attention. Having a leader like Trump has never really been a negative in the eyes of FIBA, has it?
Brazil, the Netherlands, Italy, Slovakia, France can take a walk. Also surprised at just how many African nations voted for us.
Someone needs to explain the US Constitution to The Guardian: Um...no, he can't. See Amendment, 22nd.
I feel sorry for @Robert Borden - he didn't want the bid to go through. He will have to find his schadenfreude elsewhere.
With winning the bid, US, Canada and Mexico will be in the World Cup. Here is my question, will the US be contending (top 4) at home in 2026 or just be another team?
It is a question, didn't you see the ????? But let us put it out there, if we are not trying to finish top 4 in 8 years in the our own country, then why are we wasting our time. It is a tournament, it does't mean you become Brazil in 8 years.
Yep. That's why I couldn't understand why almost every single one of your posts in this thread was heaped with: either contempt for the U.S., or barely concealed glee at the prospect of 2026 not going to North America. It was almost like you were cutting off your nose to spite your face. Thus schadenfreude. I guess it was a win/win in your case. Good for you.
It's an interesting thought. As the seeded team in a three team group where two go through, with the advantages that brings...plus the extra boost from playing at home...it's not as far-fetched as some would believe. There'd be an awful lot of other stars that would have to align, but it's not impossible. When it's a single-elimination tournament, goofy things happen. Ask the University of Virginia men's basketball team.
Let Germany or Brazil ask them, while we're asking UMBC how much they enjoyed their magical run to the Final Four.
Still not sure why they did not throw in Guatemala City and Port of Spain, just to give the world the full CONCACAF experience.