Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee unveils logo

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

I hate to bring up old threads and arguments up again (especially this one that already got settled). But this one is relevant to us because this is about getting the World Cup.

Yesterday, this comment was debunked again with the attendance of Haiti vs Canada teaching 70K. As I said before, the MLS attendance has zero affect when it comes to hosting international soccer tournaments. While Houston lacks MLS Adams, it has the more important international competition support.

Turning out for this Gold Cup match in such numbers is indeed a great look for Houston.

My comment also didn't get "debunked" because I put the challenge to go show up for international games, and it was taken up.

Here's what hasn't changed:

-Texas is not getting two sites for the WC
-The Midwest is getting at least one site

Unless one or more of the Canada/Mexico bid cities drop out, and even then that doesn't guarantee anything.

[JJG]

Originally Posted by Mr. Krinkle

Arlington is in the middle of nowhere and is difficult to get to. This is one of Houston's selling points. It's easy to get to NRG from downtown or close by.

"middle of nowhere"

...



Being in between two of the largest cities in the United State is "middle of nowhere"...? I mean, "difficult to get to" is subjective, but, seriously?

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by jfre81

Turning out for this Gold Cup match in such numbers is indeed a great look for Houston.

My comment also didn't get "debunked" because I put the challenge to go show up for international games, and it was taken up.

Here's what hasn't changed:

-Texas is not getting two sites for the WC
-The Midwest is getting at least one site

Unless one or more of the Canada/Mexico bid cities drop out, and even then that doesn't guarantee anything.

That challenge has been taken up on numerous occasions way before your comment. Have you not seen the history of international soccer matches at NRG? I’m referring to the fact that MLS attendance has zero effect on international soccer attendance. Yesterday was a mere example of history of international soccer filling up NRG stadium outside of USA, MEX and Central America. That’s what I was referring to being debunked (even before yesterday)

On Texas not getting two teams, I simply disagree. There could be two Texas teams getting teams when both cities are better considerations than cities in other regions.

On the Midwest getting a team, I don’t completely disagree, I just don’t see that team being KC. And I’m not even sure any team will. Chicago would be the only sure spot, but FIFA has done poorly there part in due for Soldier Field being outdated. If the Midwest gets a team, it’ll be Cinci.

But as I said, what was debunked already, even before yesterdays game was these two things

- Houston fills up seats with international team
- MLS attendance has zero effect to international soccer attendance

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

That challenge has been taken up on numerous occasions way before your comment. Have you not seen the history of international soccer matches at NRG? I’m referring to the fact that MLS attendance has zero effect on international soccer attendance. Yesterday was a mere example of history of international soccer filling up NRG stadium outside of USA, MEX and Central America. That’s what I was referring to being debunked (even before yesterday)

On Texas not getting two teams, I simply disagree. There could be two Texas teams getting teams when both cities are better considerations than cities in other regions.

On the Midwest getting a team, I don’t completely disagree, I just don’t see that team being KC. And I’m not even sure any team will. Chicago would be the only sure spot, but FIFA has done poorly there part in due for Soldier Field being outdated. If the Midwest gets a team, it’ll be Cinci.

But as I said, what was debunked already, even before yesterdays game was these two things

- Houston fills up seats with international team
- MLS attendance has zero effect to international soccer attendance

Huh? Who's getting "teams?" We're clearly not even talking about the same thing here.

The cities are bidding for World Cup matches in 2026. Also, for all the attention you're paying to this, you apparently missed that Chicago dropped its bid and therefore will certainly not be a host city to the World Cup in 2026.

Finally, did you really just try to suggest that Haiti and Canada are from outside the continent?

This reminds of the South African couple the other day at work who were impressed that I knew exactly where Cape Town is. The general idea out there is that Americans can barely point out their home states on a map, let alone another country.

Haiti is in the Caribbean and not on the continent proper, but it's a shorter flight from Port-Au-Prince to Houston than it is from some of the cities the Astros regularly visit.

[DabOnEm]

Originally Posted by jfre81

Huh? Who's getting "teams?" We're clearly not even talking about the same thing here.

The cities are bidding for World Cup matches in 2026. Also, for all the attention you're paying to this, you apparently missed that Chicago dropped its bid and therefore will certainly not be a host city to the World Cup in 2026.

Finally, did you really just try to suggest that Haiti and Canada are from outside the continent?

This reminds of the South African couple the other day at work who were impressed that I knew exactly where Cape Town is. The general idea out there is that Americans can barely point out their home states on a map, let alone another country.

Haiti is in the Caribbean and not on the continent proper, but it's a shorter flight from Port-Au-Prince to Houston than it is from some of the cities the Astros regularly visit.

I repped your post on the top of the page last night by accident (meant to reply) but I really don't know what you're arguing about. It's clear Houston has strong support with hosting international soccer matches. Also what's with this geography lesson you're trying to give? Neither Canada or Haiti are in the USA, Central America, or Mexico so he's still correct. Everyone who tried to say Houston couldn't host international matches have been proven wrong over and over, with this weekend being the latest example. Texas may or may not host two World Cup games (it likely will), but Houston has shown it'll support soccer with ease...

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by DabOnEm

I repped your post on the top of the page last night by accident (meant to reply) but I really don't know what you're arguing about. It's clear Houston has strong support with hosting international soccer matches. Also what's with this geography lesson you're trying to give? Neither Canada or Haiti are in the USA, Central America, or Mexico so he's still correct. Everyone who tried to say Houston couldn't host international matches have been proven wrong over and over, with this weekend being the latest example. Texas may or may not host two World Cup games (it likely will), but Houston has shown it'll support soccer with ease...

Honestly, I don't know either. The guy who revived this thread seems to think Houston is bidding for a "team." Also, Canada and Haiti are still CONCACAF, still one and the same as the US and Mexico. Nobody's more than a four hour or so flight from Houston.

These cities will be selected before the 2022 Cup is even played, let alone qualifying for 2026. We have no idea who will be playing in 2026. What Houston and these other cities are bidding for is matches in pool play and maybe one of the early knockout rounds.

I thought this was all covered, but apparently there's some confusion.

If you're wondering what my position actually is, it's not that Houston has a poor bid or cannot be a competitive international soccer host, but that there's a lot of competition and several cities that are worthy on their own merit are not going to get in, simply because there are more bids than actual slots.

[Sugarlandbubba]

Originally Posted by ParaguaneroSwag

I hate to bring up old threads and arguments up again (especially this one that already got settled). But this one is relevant to us because this is about getting the World Cup.

Yesterday, this comment was debunked again with the attendance of Haiti vs Canada teaching 70K. As I said before, the MLS attendance has zero affect when it comes to hosting international soccer tournaments. While Houston lacks MLS Adams, it has the more important international competition support.

70k in attendance for Haiti v. Canada?

Did you watch the game? The stands were almost empty between Haiti v. Canada.

[ParaguaneroSwag]

Originally Posted by jfre81

Huh? Who's getting "teams?" We're clearly not even talking about the same thing here.

The cities are bidding for World Cup matches in 2026. Also, for all the attention you're paying to this, you apparently missed that Chicago dropped its bid and therefore will certainly not be a host city to the World Cup in 2026.

Finally, did you really just try to suggest that Haiti and Canada are from outside the continent?

This reminds of the South African couple the other day at work who were impressed that I knew exactly where Cape Town is. The general idea out there is that Americans can barely point out their home states on a map, let alone another country.

Haiti is in the Caribbean and not on the continent proper, but it's a shorter flight from Port-Au-Prince to Houston than it is from some of the cities the Astros regularly visit.

First “team” typo instead of “host city”. Wow my bad. Doesn’t change the facts.

On Chicago dropping its bid, no where in my post did I say it didn’t. If you read it well enough, you would see that I clearly said Chicago isn’t getting it, but it’s the large enough market that would’ve been the easy Midwestern selection if it wasn’t for its issues (stadium, government support, finances). Since the Midwest doesn’t have an available large market, it isn’t a lock to get a team. Period.

As for your “Haiti and Canada being in other continents” you’re making up stuff here. Name a single place where me of anyone said otherwise. Clearly, you changed your criteria to conveniently try to sneak your comment which was previously debunked. “Houston not being able to fill venues outside of USA, MEX, and Central American countries”. Is Haiti in this criteria? Canada? If anyone needs a geography check, it is you.

And don’t even try to claim that Haiti or Canada have almost as much of backing as Canada and Haiti in Houston because you’d be lying to yourself.

On your next response, try to actually argue back at comments actually being made and not made up ones. None of them will change the fact that the MLS attendance figures has nothing to do with international support and that Houston is one of the largest international soccer support cities in the USA. That’s why FIFA always picks Houston as a host city for all competitions (Copa America, Gold Cup, etc)

[SanJac]

Chicago's Soldier Field hosting 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final between Mexico and U.S.A.

Chicago also hosted in 2007 and 2013 - both times the U.S. took home the trophy! Hope history repeats itself tonight!

Still hard to believe Chicago will not be a participant in 2026 World Cup... we'll see...