KC Named to World Cup Bid 18

Today the US Bid Committee for the World Cup Bid for 2018 and 2022 announced the cities that had been named to the final 18, paring the number down from 27. Kansas City made the cut and is one of the final 18 cities left in consideration should the US win the bid for either World Cup. The surprise non-selection has to be the city of Chicago. Soldier Field hosted games during the 1994 World Cup, but lost out this time, which is a bit of a surprise considering it's one of the largest cities in the US. Still, the lack of Chicago and St. Louis on the bid list would appear to help the KC bid as the city helps fill a gap in the country that would be otherwise left with a long distance to travel to see potential games.