1) Soccer is the most popular sport in South Africa by a mile. 2) Even if it wasn't, which it is, that World Cup more than any other (before 2026, at least) felt like a whole continent/region was hosting.
forget what you might reed in internet. I've been there at least ten times, not even close to rugby and cricket
This is often the perception because white culture still comes across stronger to an outsider. But in the black communities, soccer is #1. Which means its #1 in South Africa. Also, rugby and cricket aren't global sports so even if only a small segment of a country's population plays it, chances are that country will still be among the best in the world at it. Look at Argentina rugby. And that can create a false assumption that the sport must be huge there.
not completely wrong for sure, but they took me to a couple of rugby games and one cricket game as well (dear was that boooooring!!!!), my perception was quite different. morocco, egypt or any other of usual suspects would have been much better choice. of course, most of them could not host at all due to bad infrastructure, but IMHO south africa was awful choice. not as bad as qatar of course, but still awful. same applies to USA as well btw.
I had no problem with Africa hosting the WC. Though not there, I suspect the atmosphere was pretty good, with one MAJOR exception. This probably ruined the atmosphere for, and the hearing of, many thousands/millions of fans.
Yes. I know the reasons, but if you look at the map, it just looks wrong. Chicago and Denver are just such logical venues.
I kind of miss that sound of bees swarming as you were approaching the stadiums. I still have my vuvuzela that I bought at the final. I remember South African guys trying to teach Brazilians how to “play” them outside the stadium before the quarterfinal in Port Elizabeth. Very funny. We had a great time in South Africa. Fantastic travel destination. Great World Cup experience. Great memories.
Has there ever been a World Cup where the 3rd largest city (metro area) in the country was not a venue? Or the capital for that matter (USA and Canada)? What about the second largest city in the country, in the case of Canada (Montreal)? And wasn’t the Denver issue that Colorado would not give FIFA the tax-free status they demanded?
Qatar had a lot of firsts and sweeping under the rugs of many trends and rules for Hosts/cities. Having a World Cup in three nations makes it more bearable that there are weird things happening and firsts. As for Denver that tax issue may be the issue but having one venue at altitude and the others at or near sea level does not make sense either. Unless you put both Denver and Azteca matches in the same Group but that is quite a flight.
Well, they did get it mostly right, from a logistical/logical perspective, except for Chicago, Montreal, D.C., and maybe Denver. But Kansas City? It’s almost like a “which one of these things is not like the others” exercise. And to give Kansas City a quarterfinal? Really? This isn’t some regional tournament where you can be expected to return favors for loyalty. I guess we know at which venue it should be the easiest to get tickets.
If a city doesn't want to bid (Chicago) or won't do what's necessary to provide a stadium that meets requirements (Montreal and DC), what is FIFA supposed to do?
foreign fans will be pleasantly surprised by KC imo. As someone who has been to 5 World Cups, I do a few token tourist things but all I really want to do is watch soccer and eat good food. Kansas City BBQ is top tier and if the USA actually had a unique food, BBQ is a good choice. I will be trying to see a game in KC this round and will absolutely spend it watching and eating. I am still bitter my city wasn't chosen even though it never realistically had a shot. It would have been the biggest shitshow/party and it would have been amazing. One of the few places in the country where you can drink in the streets and one of the most miserable places to be in the summer... what could go wrong? lol
Its not exactly La Paz though. Denver are at the low end of when altitude just starts to become a bit noticeable. I think it has more to do with $$$$$. Kansas City is so boring though. Ugh!
Athletes still get affected by the altitude in Colorado and the ball does weird things in all sports.
Wow, I was actually coming to this thread to post about this article ... Having just spent a long weekend in Dallas for the Nations League Finals, it's an interesting read. Some key points: The main Fan Fest will be at the Fair Park / Cotton Bowl area. Good choice. It's close enough to downtown Dallas, some train lines, and the restaurants/bars of Deep Ellum. Sounds like they're planning to have shuttle buses to the stadium from the Centrepoint/DFW DART station. But that's really far away, slow, and logistically complicated. No one is actually going to use that. Hopefully they wise up and have continuous shuttle buses running from the Fan Fest, downtown Dallas, DFW airport, and somewhere in Fort Worth on gameday. Just like the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Currently, the only ways to get to the stadium are Uber and self-driving. On the plus side, there's definitely more than enough parking in the stadium vicinity, even if FIFA closes off all the closer lots for security/VIP. The Texas Live entertainment complex will be great before and after matches, in addition to regular tailgating. As that phrase was used in Qatar, it's basically FIFA lingo for an area that will have sponsor booths, games, giveways, music, Instragram-able displays, and maybe some screens showing games. Like a miniature Fan Fest.
Well, currently planning to attend games in Atlanta, Houston (meh!), Dallas/FW (meh!) and KC as part of a 3 week road trip (also to pick up all the ‘boring Midwestish’ US States and compete my 50 collection). Transport is one of the ‘How are they going to do that?’ questions and not looking forward to getting sun baked at Arrowhead! Although, probably won’t get any tickets, so it will just be a partly hot and humid 3 week road trip!