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Having A World Cup Match In Colorado? It'd Be 'Like 10 Super Bowls In A Row'

By Michael Abeyta

(CBS4) - The president of a large fan group that supports the U.S. Soccer team says Colorado and International soccer have a history together.

"We've had a great record of hosting U.S. games here," said Robert Wilson, the president of the American Outlaws.

One of the more memorable games of the past decade was played here.

Costa Rica v United States - FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier
Midfielder Clint Dempsey of the United States dribbles the ball during a FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier match between Costa Rica and United States at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on March 22, 2013 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

A World Cup Qualifier played during a blizzard in 2013 was nicknamed the Snow Classico.

Trinidad & Tobago v United States - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier
Christian Pulisic of the U.S. National Team celebrates scoring a goal against Trinidad & Tobago in the second half during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on June 8, 2017 in Commerce City, Colorado. (credit:Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Last year, the U.S. men lost a World Cup qualifier to Trinidad and Tobago.

Pablo Mastroeni (L) and Mexico's Jesus Mendoza (R)
Pablo Mastroeni, right, and Mexico's Jesus Mendoza, left, fight for the ball during their friendly match in April 2002 in Denver. (credit: MARK LEFFINGWELL/AFP/Getty Images)

And back in 2002, the U.S. men beat Mexico at Mile High.

For soccer fans, those would pale in comparison to a world cup match being played here.

"If there's a U.S. game here, it will be like ten Super Bowls in a row for us," said Wilson.

USA Soccer, along with the Mexican Football Federation and the Canadian Soccer Association, made a united bid to FIFA to bring the World Cup to North America in 2026. The united bid lists 23 cities in North America that could play host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. One of those cities is Denver.

"We have everything built already. We already have an amazing soccer stadium. We already have the airport. We already have a great city to visit," said Wilson.

"A lot of international teams like to come to Colorado. We have great fields, great climate, everyone loves visiting Colorado so I think we would be great hosts."

The decision is a long way off, but soccer fans say if Denver gets to host it could be a huge economic and publicity boost for the area, plus a huge honor. Not to mention a lot of fun for sports fans.

"No matter what teams are playing we would fill that stadium and we would have a great time," said Wilson.

Michael Abeyta is a 4th generation Coloradan and a Multimedia Journalist for CBS4. His stories can be seen on CBS4 News at 5 & 6. He is on Twitter! Follow him @AbeytaCBS4.

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