18 Bid Cities Announced (Sorry Portland)

I received this email from David Downs, the Executive Director of the USA World Cup Bid Committee:

The USA Bid Committee just released the final list of cities to be included in our official Bid Book to FIFA. These cities could be the site of a future World Cup match!

Click here to see the full list of cities that will be part of our bid:

http://gousabid.com/BidCities

It was very difficult to narrow the list of cities to 18, the maximum allowed by FIFA. All 27 locations under consideration demonstrated an incredible understanding and passion for the Game, and would have made excellent additions to our bid.

The 18 cities that were selected far exceed FIFA's criteria and were able to deliver signed FIFA agreements. They represent all four time zones and every corner of the country, making this a truly national bid.

Check out the full list of cities -- and share it with every soccer fan you know:

http://gousabid.com/BidCities

With the selection of these 18 cities, we are another step closer to completing our bid and bringing the FIFA World Cup™ back to the United States. I'm so glad you're such a big part of this effort.

Thanks again for your continued support.

-- David

David Downs
Executive Director
USA Bid Committee

Does anybody else find it funny that the self proclaimed Soccer City USA isn't on the list? And how about President Obama's Chicago getting shut out by the Olympics and now our own country?

The New World Cup Ball

The new FIFA World Cup ball, Jabulani, hits the store shelves tomorrow. I'm impressed by the level of detail that they put into the graphics. But I'm more interested in which goalkeeper will be the first one to complain about it. Hey Mr. Goalkeeper Man, we want lots of goals!

FIFA World Cup Groups

The first video is an overview with the emphasis on which group is the Group of Death. The following videos break down each group individually.

The Table Is Set

The U.S. received a great draw in Group C drawing England, Algeria and Slovenia. You can see the Groups here. Thanks Charlize for the draw...and your sense of humor.

Live Feed: FIFA World Cup Draw

Watch live video from FIFA WORLD CUP DRAW on Justin.tv

Jones Returns To Training And Other News

U.S. Men's National Team fans will be happy to hear that Jermaine Jones has returned to training for Schalke. Jones could be a big boost to the central midfield for the Americans if he can get fit and gel with the team before this summer's World Cup.

While taking a break from snowboarding, Freddie Ljungberg gives his thoughts on the 32 teams playing in next years World Cup.

Keep in mind that the MLS Players Union is in constant talks with MLS regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement that expires on January 31st, 2010. Here's a good article on some of the issues that need to be addressed. We'll keep you posted as this story plays out.

Landycakes Interview

Bob Ley asks Landon Donovan the hard question about his pro career and lobs him some softballs on Friday's World Cup draw and Henry's handball.

FIFA World Cup Top Seeds

You can see the pot breakdowns here.

Adidas: Unite Mzansi Unite!

From Football Shirt Culture:

Unite Mzansi Unite (UMU) is a campaign created by adidas to celebrate the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The project aims to inspire all South Africans to unite in celebration behind the 2010 FIFA World Cup

For this campaign, adidas has created a giant yellow jersey a replica of the official Bafana-Bafana jersey. It is truly giant measuring 60m x 48m. The jersey has just started its amazing 7 month journey through the entire South Africa. It is a platform for all South Africans to unite and show their support by signing their name on the jersey. A custom made truck is transporting this giant yellow jersey through all 9 provinces of the country. This campaign wants to unify South Africa by giving as many South Africans possible the opportunity to make their mark, show their support and celebrate the 2010 FIFA World Cup as one. nike puma umbro

Its time for South Africa to come together, to show our support and passion.
Its about showing the world who we are.
The passion of our people.
The warmth of our culture.
The spirit of our nation.

Unite Mzansi Unite!

Tuesday News

I'm way too tired to come up with anything clever so I'm going to just give you the news.

New England Revolution defender Jay Heaps is retiring. I guess he was just holding out for that first USMNT cap.

Canada will be at the World Cup. Maybe Ireland can figure out a way to get there too.

The NASL is growing by the minute.

Martin Vasquez is tipped to be the new Chivas USA coach.

Jermaine Defoe knows how to score.

The Generation Adidas boys are touring South Africa.

Have a holly jolly Christmas! Seriously, you need to go window shopping.

World Cup Playoffs Review

Between World Cup playoff matches, friendlies and the MLS Cup Conference Finals, there is a ton of footy action going on this weekend.

Your Current U.S. World Cup Squad

Yanks Abroad have just posted their updated 23 Tickets to South Africa while Soccernet just dropped their blatant rip off of 23 tickets yesterday. Take a look at both of their lists and let us know what you think.

Who will make the trip to South Africa?

Now that the US is set to go to South Africa...who will make the trip for the USMNT? I was reading up at espnsoccernet to see who was all going to SA in 2010 and saw a player ranking page for the US team, needless to say I had to check it out. It was interesting an read. Click here for the link.

U.S. vs Costa Rica - Don't Tread

The U.S. Men's National Team has a chance to secure first place in the final CONCACAF qualifying group tonight at RFK. In light of everything that's happened in the last 24 hours, I figured we all needed to get hyped for the day. The telecast begins at 7:30 PM Eastern/ 4:30 PM Pacific on ESPN2 and ESPN360. Don't tread on this!

Soccernet.com's coverage of U.S. birth to South Africa.

USMNT and World Cup Qualification

All you need to know and more.

I'm a Soca Warrior

I will admit that Sterlinho was right about me being bummed that T&T are officially eliminated from qualifying for the World Cup. But that doesn't stop me from being a Soca Warrior. So I give you music from a better day when Trinidad & Tobago were headed to Germany. The song is "Fighter" by Maximus Dan.

CONCACAF Video Signals

European Qualifying Round Up

Slovenia's goalkeeper Samir Handanovic is seen in front of burning flares during the Group 3 World Cup qualifying soccer match against Poland at Ljudski Vrt stadium in Maribor, Slovenia, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009.

You can check out all of today's results from the European World Cup qualifiers by clicking here. Next up is the CONCACAF action.

All Hail Fabio

Fabio Capello has helped England believe in themselves and has led them to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Three Lions crushed Croatia 5-1 with the goal scoring starting in the 8th minute. Lamps and Gerrard both scored two goals with Wayne Rooney adding the fifth. Who said that Lampard and Gerrard couldn't exist on the same pitch together as teammates?

David Beckham saw 10 minutes of action as a late sub for Aaron Lennon.