World Cup goes to Russia in 2018 and to Qatar in 2022

More details from CNN and the Los Angeles Times.

Spain Wins the 2010 World Cup!

 Spain's Andres Iniesta lifts the World Cup trophy after their final match victory over Netherlands 

at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg July 11, 2010. (REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko) Via

Congratulations to Spain on their first world cup victory! While I was pulling for the Netherlands in the end, it was good to see Spain so jubilant about their first victory.I really enjoyed watching this year and I think I will continue to in the future. This year's World Cup made a fan out of me!

Meet Zakumi the Mascot for the 2010 World Cup

London could learn a thing or two...

Here is what FIFA has to say about the character:

He symbolizes South Africa and the rest of the African continent through his self-confidence, pride, hospitality, social skills and warm-heartedness.

Zakumi is a jolly, self-confident, adventurous, spontaneous, and actually quite shrewd little fellow. He loves to perform and always follows his instinct and intuition, yet sometimes has the tendency to exaggerate a bit. You will often find him fooling about and teasing people but not in a mean way. He is warm-hearted and caring, and wants to make as many friends as possible.

He loves to play football as it is a great way to connect with others and break down language barriers. He always carries his football around which he will use to invite people to play with him.

Zakumi loves football. At one time he decided to dye his hair green as he felt it would be the perfect camouflage against the green of the football pitch; a bit like his rosette spots are when hunting in the wilderness!

He does have one striking weakness. With all his energy, he needs frequent rests. Occasionally, in-between performances on stage, he may suddenly fall asleep on the spot at the most random times! But rest assured, these are only short breaks that a leopard of his calibre needs to recharge his batteries.

Over the last years he has travelled the whole of Africa where the leopard habitat is good (pretty much everywhere from open savannahs, forests, jungles to mountainous areas, even deserts). He has therefore learned to adapt to new environments; enjoying the diversity in nature and people across the African continent

The name ‘Zakumi' is a composition of ‘ZA' standing for South Africa and ‘kumi', which translates into ‘10' in various languages across Africa.

Zakumi's main priority is to turn the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa into one huge, joyful and unforgettable party and show the thousands of international guests the warmth and spirit of the African continent.

"He wants to create a good mood for the fans and raise the excitement for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first on African soil. He is a proud South African and wants to ensure that the world will come together in South Africa," explained Lucas Radebe, South Africa's football icon and close friend of Zakumi.

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa begins tomorrow!

Tomorrow the 2010 World Cup begins in South Africa. Many people, including many in the IOC, see this as an opportunity for Africa to show they have the capacity to host the Olympics someday. With the Olympics set to play out in Brazil in 2016, Africa will become the only continent to have never hosted an Olympic Games. I'm not a big Football (or if you prefer... Soccer) fan myself but I think I'll try to watch a little bit and see what it's all about!

Tokyo aiming for 2018 or 2020 World Cup

Japan recently launched a bid to host the 2018 and 2022 Football (better known as soccer here in the States) World Cup with some very attractive graphics designed by Yuji Tokuda. Via.

*Previously: Tokyo 2016 Unveils Official Bid Logo