Tampa remained in competition to host World Cup soccer games in 2018 and 2022 by passing the third stage of the U.S. city and stadium proposal review process along with 26 other cities, the USA Bid Committee announced Thursday.
The United States has bid to host the games in 2018 and 2022, after last hosting them in 1994. Once a country is selected, it is customary for multiple cities to host portions of the World Cup games.
The United States must submit its application to Federation Internationale de Football Association in Switzerland (FIFA) in May 2010.
FIFA and its 24 member executive committee will study the bids, conduct site visits and name the two host nations for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments in December 2010, completing a 21-month bid and review process.
The 27 remaining candidate cities range in size from New York to Jacksonville.
The 11 cities removed during this round: Birmingham, Ala.; Cincinnati; Columbus, Ohio; Fayetteville, Ark.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Las Vegas; Minneapolis; New Orleans; Pittsburgh; Salt Lake City and San Antonio.
Reporter Ted Jackovics
can be reached at

Advertisement
Advertisement