The FIFA World Cup is the single best sporting event on the planet, as it brings together the entire world for one month of dramatic and exciting football that will live in our hearts forever. 32 nations (soon to be 48) put everything behind their team as they search for the ultimate glory: to be crowned champions of the world. However, one of the most important factors in a World Cup's quality is its host nation, which drives the culture and flavor of the competition through its stadiums and life during the tournament. FIFA, unfortunately one of the most corrupt governing bodies on the planet, have used the extreme revenue and interest generated in the host country to earn a profit, as they have made questionable choices to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which will be held in Russia and Qatar, respectively. Despite numerous confirmations that FIFA was bribed by the Qatari government to host the tournament, as well as numerous human rights violations in both of the next two hosts, along with rising death tolls due to unsafe working conditions on Qatar's stadiums, FIFA has refused to move the tournament. However, here are ten countries that deserve to host a World Cup in the future.
1. Spain/Portugal
Spain and Portugal bid to host a joint Iberian World Cup for both 2018 and 2022, but lost under the previously-mentioned tumultuous circumstances. Both nations have a soccer-mad culture, with world-class stadiums and are beautiful nations with great beaches, night life and strong teams that would make an Iberian World Cup one to remember.
2. Australia
Australia also bid for the 2022 World Cup (so many better choices, FIFA!), and this would be a great way to expand upon a growing soccer culture in one of Earth's most beautiful and unique environments. Australia boasts exciting deserts, beautiful coastline, and major cities and stadiums that could easily facilitate a fantastic World Cup.
3. United States
Our great nation is the front-runner, and currently only bid in the process to host the 2026 World Cup, as the US, Mexico, and Canada look to unite the North American continent and become the first three nations to jointly host a World Cup. The US' soccer culture is growing at an unprecedented rate, as can be seen with the skyrocketing popularity of both MLS and the US National team. The US clearly has world class stadiums and cities that are ready for a tournament of this magnitude.
4. Uruguay/Argentina
For historical precedent, in my opinion, it will be downright criminal if Uruguay is not selected as a host for the 2030 World Cup. Uruguay hosted the first-ever World Cup in 1930, and on the tournament's centennial and 100th birthday, it is only fitting that Uruguay once again hosts the Cup. Argentina is a solid co-host as they have both the stadiums and population base to support Uruguay in making the tournament's Centennial the best ever.
5. England
It is long overdue that England brings football back home for the World Cup. The birthplace of the world's game has not hosted the tournament since 1966, which is an absolute shame, as the sport is the lifeblood of English sporting culture, and they boast arguably the best stadiums and fans in the world. The Three Lions also have not won the tournament since they hosted it.
6. Brazil
Yes, Brazil just hosted the last World Cup, and they were embarrassed on home soil. However, they hosted the best World Cup in recent memory, due to the incredible on-field goal barrage and dramatic games that captivated hearts around the globe. A big reason for that is that football just feels right in Brazil. The tropical climate, the incredible fans, the great national team, Brazil might be the perfect World Cup host. Moreover, they were unable to avenge their 1950 embossment in the loss to Uruguay on home soil and added yet another knot into their tale of woe when it comes to Brazilian World Cups, as they were defeated 7-1 by eventual champions Germany in the semifinals in one of the most shocking games ever played. Brazil deserve another chance at redemption, which has been over 60 years in the making.
