By Tripp Mickle , Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal The USA Bid Committee for the '18 or '22 FIFA World Cup today narrowed the list of potential host cities to 27 from 38. The elimination of 11 cities followed a request for proposal process in mid-July. The RFPs covered everything from tourism and security to transportation and promotion issues in the cities. A total of 32 stadiums remain under consideration as hosts should the U.S. be granted either of the events. The facilities can accommodate an average of 74,000 spectators. The U.S. is bidding for the World Cup against Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia, as well as joint bids by the Netherlands and Belgium, and Portugal and Spain. Qatar and South Korea have bid to host the '22 tournament. FIFA will name the hosts of both the '18 and '22 World Cups in December '10. TO RUSSIA, WITH LOVE : Helios Partners today announced that it has been hired to lead Russia's bid to be selected as host of the '18 or '22 World Cup. The Atlanta-based consultancy will develop Russia's bid book and manage the brand and technical development of the country's bid. Helios also worked with Sochi in its successful bid to host the '14 Winter Games.
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