Colombia plans bid for 2026 football World Cup

MEDELLIN, Colombia — Colombia President Alvaro Uribe says his country will bid to host the 2026 football World Cup. Uribe announced Colombia's intentions to host football's premier tournament on Friday during the opening ceremony of the South American Games, adding there were also plans to lure the Panamerican Games and the Youth Olympics. "This nation ... aspires to be the future seat of the Panamerican (Games), the seat of the Youth Olympics, the seat of the world championship of football," he said. Colombia won the right to host the 1986 World Cup, but then-President Belisario Betancur withdrew citing lack of funds. The 1986 event was instead hosted by Mexico and the tournament has not been held in Latin America since. Brazil is set to host in 2014. FIFA vice president Jack Warner recently visited Colombia and spoke highly of stadium renovations and other preparations for the 2011 Under-20 World Cup. – AP