FIFA member and CONCACAF president Jack Warner considers Colombia a good candidate to host the World Cup in 2026, he said at a press conference in Cartagena.
At the conference Warner was particularly positive about Colombia, which he claims to consider a “second home”, where he feels safer than in his own country (Trinidad and Tobago).
Warner formed part of a FIFA delegation that visited Colombia in order to inspect the venues for next year’s Under-20 World Cup, which is by some considered a final test ahead of a senior World Cup bid.
“In 2014, the World Cup will be in Brazil. Twelve years later the World Cup will once again be for South America. I think this will be a good start for Colombia in order to place a bid for the 2026 World Cup as they will have first class venues by then,” Warner stated.
Colombia was given the task of hosting the 1986 World Cup, but became the first and up till now only country to withdraw, due to safety issues. Mexico went on to host the tournament.
Warner also spoke about the Under-20 World Cup, saying that Cartagena will be a venue. However, he also confirmed that the final will be played in the capital city Bogota.