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Former Coach Bruce Arena On The State Of Soccer In The US

Bruce Arena, former coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team and author of the new book, "What's Wrong With US?," in an undated photo.
U.S. Soccer
Bruce Arena, former coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team and author of the new book, "What's Wrong With US?," in an undated photo.
Former Coach Bruce Arena On The State Of Soccer In The US
Former Coach Bruce Arena On The State Of Soccer In The U.S. GUEST: Bruce Arena, author, "What's Wrong With US?"

It’s a big week for soccer.

On the eve of the 2018 men's World Cup soccer tournament in Russia, FIFA announced the U.S., Mexico and Canada will host the event in 2026.

While the U.S. failed to qualify for this year’s tournament, Bruce Arena, the former coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team, says the sport will continue to grow in the U.S.

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"Certainly we realize financially it will be a tremendous boost for our economy for the treasure chest of U.S. Soccer and our region. But I also think in eight years we will be a better soccer-playing country, we'll compete better and it will continue to allow us to grow our soccer culture and grow our professional league."

RELATED: World Cup 2018 Preview: What You Need To Know

Arena, who was brought back to take the team to Russia, will be at Warwicks in La Jolla Thursday to speak about his new book, "What's Wrong With US? A Coach’s Blunt Take on the State of American Soccer After a Lifetime on the Touchline."

Arena joins Midday Edition Thursday to discuss the challenges facing U.S. soccer and the significance of the World Cup coming to the U.S. in eight years.