Columbus On U.S. Radar To Host World Cup Soccer

Columbus has made the cut of 37 American cities that will bid to host soccer’s World Cup matches in 2018 or 2022.

The USA Bid Committee this week said it issued requests for proposals to officials representing 37 U.S. cities, including Columbus, that currently qualify as potential host cities to FIFA World Cup. The proposals ask for information from city officials about tourism, climate, security, transportation and promotion.

The United States’ application is due to FIFA in May 2010. FIFA’s 24-member executive committee will study the bids, conduct site visits and name the two host nations for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments in December 2010, completing a 21-month bid and review process.

The committee also released a list of 45 stadiums associated with the 37 candidate host cities. Ohio Stadium, home to the Buckeyes, is among the venues under consideration.

The United States, Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia have formally declared their desire to host to the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Netherlands-Belgium and Portugal-Spain each have submitted joint bids for the 2018 and 2022 Soccer tournaments, while Qatar and South Korea have applied as candidates to play host only to the tournament in 2022.