2022 fights 2018

Simon Kuper writes in today’s Financial Times that the table may be set for a geopolitical alignment of the Superpowers. FIFA’s selection process for World Cup hosts is always byzantine, political and difficult to predict.

But after South Africa this year and Brazil in 2014, the next several Cups may go to the Big Boys.

Details after the jump…

Kuper describes the 2018, 2022 and 2026 selections as evolving into a straight shot of Russia, the US and China in that order. His reasoning is sound and his sourcing seems solid. Russia offers the opportunity to screw England and exploit a new and large market, while the US cash machine seems plugged into 2022. That leaves an Asian host for 2026 and China have shown interest. Who is going to compete with China? Australia? Japan alone? Please. If China want it, they get it.

Certainly, it’s hard to argue with the marketing logic of these choices, and it would be refreshing to see the process play out in a logical fashion. But think of attending. Do we want to fly around these huge nations chasing matches? European World Cups offer train commutes and city centers teaming with a supporters singing and drinking. England, Spain/Portugal or Belgium/Netherlands would be straight-out, old-school parties. Is Moscow going to offer that? Shenzen? After South Africa and Brazil, wouldn’t an intimate location make sense amid the behemoths?

On the other hand, you know these big three will spend the money, and will have the infrastructure, to host a proper party. And FIFA does have Olympic dreams of conquering the world. A March through Russia, the US and China makes perfect sense in this sense.

Of course, continuing the English tragedy with another FIFA screwing is always entertaining.  This plan has that advantage.

What say you? Interested in the organized tours of the Geopolitical Triad? Or would you rather be sprayed by the spittle of a drunken, shirtless yob on an English or Dutch train?