Leeds has been announced as a host city at the 2018 FIFA World Cup should England be named as the host country.

The Football Association made the announcement on 16th December that Leeds will join 11 other cities across the country to stage matches in 2018. Leeds will now work with the Football Association and the 11 other successful cities to help ensure Englands bid to FIFA is as strong as possible.

Reacting to the news, Councillor Andrew Carter, the leader of Leeds City Council, said:

'This is fantastic news. Leeds would make an ideal World Cup host city and we are now a step closer to making it a reality. A very strong bid was submitted to the FA, outlining why Leeds and the Leeds City Region should be part of the World Cup if England is named as the host country. Our proud football heritage, passion for sport and vision to leave a lasting legacy after the tournament makes us a perfect venue to be a host city for the worlds biggest sporting event. Hosting matches would put Leeds firmly on the world map and give a multi-million pound boost to the local economy. I would like to thank everybody who has been involved in preparing and submitting the bid and everyone who has voted and given their support. We will now work closely with the FA to ensure Englands bid to be the
2018 World Cup host is as good as it can possibly be. it can possibly be'.