I'd love to travel down to Brazil! That will be sweet. We'll end up with the Cup four years later anyway.

I'm glad FIFA has decided to do this continental rotation. It spreads the world's game around the globe. In the event that any country can't do it they then waive the rotation rule and give it to us or some European country. Quite effecient,

I would like to go to Brazil to see the World Cup.

Don't expect the rotation to last... Europe isn't content getting the cup once a generation.

Agreed. Brazil does need to stage a World Cup again.

Steve--what about the quiet speculation that is South Africa isn't ready for 2010, the USA will be a "reluctant" (at least publicly) candidate? What's your take on this?

Yeah, a quick peek at www.worldstadiums.com indicates that most of the venues are old, decrepit or are unlikely to meet modern security requirements. However, it would be great to see the World Cup in South America, specifically Brazil. I hope they could pull it off, though obviously it would be tremendous to see the world cup in the USA again.

Thanks for this update. I had been wondering about the state of the 2014 WC bids when the only bid remaining was Brazil.

Joao Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Cai Pirinas, Rio, and Brasilian futbol? Please, please, please, let it be in Brasil.

You're right Goff, Brazil needs it again, and they should get it. If South Africa can't get its act together for 2010, then Brazil certainly can get it done for 2014. I can't wait to go to Brazil for the cup. Unfortunately, however, I think if Brazil gets it in 2014, the USA will not get it in 2018. The European delegation is way too powerful to let the world cup out of its domain for 3 consecutive cups. I think its 2014 or bust...

A football mad nation like Brazil, with perennially the best national team in the world, deserves a World Cup. But how will FIFA look if 2010 in South Africa is a fiasco and Brazil is set to repeat? No security, high crime, and crumbling stadiums twice in a row would be a travesty. Brazil could pull off a fantastic competition, but it will be hard work. I hope they can do it.

I've been mugged at gun or knifepoint 6 times in Rio and 4 in Sao Paolo in the past 8 years...a World Cup in Brazil should be an incredible feast for street criminals.

Maybe you shouldn't be such an obvious moron. What are you doing to get mugged 10 times in 8 years? If you're slumming, the slums are going to get you.

Brazil is awesome. They'll get it done.

I fear that the US will always be in the role of "emergency host" for the next 3 or 4 Cups. Rather than give it to the US, FIFA can take the risk on another country knowing the US can do it on very short notice.

I know people from Brazil and South Africa and almost all of them never want to go back due to the crime, poverty, etc. Other than an Islamic country, I'm not sure FIFA could pick two more dangerous hosts for "modern" countries.

""Other than an Islamic country, I'm not sure FIFA could pick two more dangerous hosts for "modern" countries.""

I see you've been perusing FEARS ARE US again. I was in Peru, in the back country, during the middle of the Shining Path. Everyone told me I would get my throat slit. All the while the US State Dept was saying this that and the other . . .

Would you give the fear mongering a rest?

Brasil during a World Cup would be ABSOLUTELY insane. Or should we only be allowed to watch football amidst the denizens of high society with their corporate boxes? Please . . .

""Other than an Islamic country, I'm not sure FIFA could pick two more dangerous hosts for "modern" countries.""

The crime rate around RFK is nothing to brag about.

Keep in mind that as far as murders go the US is still in the top 5 of the world. Per capita we are almost 6 x higher than Germany or Canada.

So by going with your safety concerns, Canada would be the logical choice for the next North American World Cup.

Ok, how much faith do you have in the legal system and police force in Brazil & South Africa? Thought so. There's a reason crime isn't reported much in those countries. For every Braveheart like yourself going to Peru, there are 10 others who won't go because of the perception of those coutries. I have yet to meet someone who went to Rio who would go back. Feel free to go and enjoy - I'll wait for a better host nation.

"I have yet to meet someone who went to Rio who would go back."

Everyone I've talked to has told me the exact opposite.

Brazil seems like an exciting country I would like to visit. However, it cannot be denied, even if your experience was fine and trauma free, that the country has a high crime rate and many places are dangerous after dark, including beaches and regular city districts. The tourist areas are probably a little safer than the slums, but tourists are targets and stick out often. It is a lot to expect everyone journeying to Brazil, and South Africa for that matter, to be as savvy and travel smart as many of the people who read the soccer insider. Brazil and South Africa have a long way to go to make their countries safe for World Cup. A long way to go. Having said that, I think that it is possible and I would love Brazil to be able to take my kids to a colorful and vibrant nation to see the world's greatest sporting event without excessive worry. A World Cup there could truly be awesome.