The U.S. Soccer Federation still hasn’t decided whether to bid on the 2018 World Cup, President Sunil Gulati reveals, although a decision is expected by June 1 or shortly thereafter. “Clearly, bringing the World Cup here would be a plus, both for FIFA and for soccer in the U.S,” Gulati says in an interview with Paul Gardner for World Soccer. “One of the big advantages we have in a potential bid is the number of modern and very large stadiums that are perfectly suited to hosting a World Cup without the need for extensive renovation. New large stadiums are being planned for a number of cities, notably New York and Dallas.”
Meanwhile, Gulati says he’s very pleased with the development of soccer in the U.S., particularly MLS, which he says “has clearly established itself.” While still a long way away from being comparable to the NFL or Major League Baseball, MLS he says “is a remarkable presence on the American sports scene after only 12 years of existence.”
As for the national team, Gulati thinks “the cornerstone of respect” is there from other international teams, as well as from FIFA, soccer’s world governing body. He says Coach Bob Bradley, who started as an “interim” coach in late 2006, has also done a great job, and that MLS’s continued growth will only help the national team cause.