Oakland is one of 27 cities competing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Soccer fans and city officials are working to generate broad support for Oakland to be selected. 50,000 online signatures are needed by December 4, 2009 to help bring the game to Oakland. Visit www.Oaklandnet.com/FIFA to place your vote.

Fifteen years ago, the United States proudly hosted the FIFA World Cup despite criticism from many in the soccer world. Now, the '94 FIFA World Cup is widely considered the most successful in FIFA's history and is considered responsible for the soccer renaissance that followed in the US.

Northern California has its share of soccer fans and leagues. Whether it's San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose - you won't be able to go too far without seeing a soccer game. In nearby San Jose you can watch the Earthquakes - one of the 10 charter members of MLS. The Bay Area Ambassadors, Real San Jose and NorCal Lamorinda United SC all are proud members of the NPSL in the area. So too are the California Cougars of the PASL.

The Bay Area has already been an enthusiastic and successful host to more than one FIFA World Cup tournament. Huge crowds gathered at Stanford Stadium in nearby Palo Alto to watch several games in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup - when over 70,000 turned out to watch the U.S. Women's team defeat Brazil on their way to the tournament championship.

The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, which seats more than 63,000 people, is the likely location if the World Cup comes to Oakland. During the summer of 2009, the Coliseum hosted a Gold Cup doubleheader featuring Guadeloupe vs. Panama and Nicaragua vs. Mexico that attracted 32,500 spectators.

Check www.Oaklandnet.com/FIFA frequently for updates on Oakland's quest to be among the 18 finalist cities. The 18 finalists will be announced in late December.