On the recordNovember 17, 2010
And rise in support of H. Con. Res. 327, a bipartisan measure recognizing the efforts of the USA Bid Committee to bring the World Cup to the United States. On December 2, the Executive Committee of the International Federation of Football Associations, or FIFA, will be voting and announcing the host countries for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup competitions. A month ago, the United States decided to focus solely on its bid for 2022. My colleagues will recall that the U.S. hosted a highly successful World Cup 16 years ago, in 1994. In addition to holding opening ceremonies and the first match in my home State of Illinois, that tournament set World Cup attendance records, drawing nearly 3.6 million live spectators at matches that were broadcast to billions of viewers around the world. It was a great success for the World Cup and a huge boost for the game in the United States. Since that time, soccer has grown significantly in this country, both as a participant and a spectator sport. I can think of no better venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup than the United States of America.
