
The Politics of Hosting a FIFA World Cup: Behind the Bidding Wars
The FIFA World Cup is much deeper than football. It’s an international phenomenon that affects economies, politics, and even national pride. The tournament’s host nation is selected through a bidding process that can last for years, costing billions of dollars, and countries go to extraordinary lengths to try to secure the rights. But what does it truly take to win? What is the reality of these rampant bidding wars? Let us explore further. Why Hosting the FIFA World Cup Matters It is very clear that hosting a World Cup comes with great economic effects. Nations pour funds into building new hotels, airports, and stadiums in hopes of receiving a greater financial return. For instance, Brazil spent over $15 billion on the 2014 World Cup and managed to make $3 billion in tourism. Russia...