Be Part of History at Sydney's Live Site

Midnight Thursday - Announcement of the host nation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Where were you when Australia won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

Don-t be asleep - join the crowd at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay

Premier Kristina Keneally today confirmed the NSW Government will host a live site to mark the announcement of the successful bids for the host nations of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup finals.

Australia is bidding to be the host nation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Other nations competing for the bid include the United States, Qatar, Japan and South Korea. The FIFA Executive will announce the host nations for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Zurich on the morning of Friday 3 December 2010 (Sydney time).

The NSW Government will host an outdoor live site at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay to broadcast the announcement direct from Zurich.

Coverage will commence at 12:00am (AEST) with highlights from the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The host country announcement is due to take place from around 2:00am (AEST). If Australia wins the right to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022 it is estimated around 3.4 million people will attend World Cup matches, including hundreds of thousands of international visitors and around 15 million participants at Fan Fest sites across the country.

Premier Kristina Keneally announced the live site following the successful exhibition match between LA Galaxy and the Newcastle Jets last night.

“The FIFA World Cup is the world-s biggest single sporting event,” Ms Keneally said. “Australia is a sport-loving nation and our passion for football has grown in recent years with the success of our Socceroos on the world stage - especially here in NSW - Australia-s sporting events capital.

“Last night-s exclusive match has put the spotlight firmly on NSW and Australia as we enter the final week ahead of next Friday-s winning bid announcement.

“In addition to last night-s match, NSW recently hosted the successful Sydney International FIFA Fan Fest during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Australia v Paraguay match, and the football themed Breakfast on the Bridge.

“Football fans from across the country are backing Australia-s bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup which will benefit the local economy and tourism sector as well as raise the profile of the world game in Australia.

“We are encouraging all Sydneysiders, whether you are a football fan or not to get behind Australia on Friday morning.”

For more information on Australia-s 2022 FIFA World Cup bid visit www.australiabid.com.au