Leeds attempt to become a host city for the 2018 World Cup has been boosted after international support from past and future World Cup cities.

Dortmund, who staged group matches and a semi final in 2006, and Durban, who will also host matches next June in South Africa, have both sent their support for Leeds bid. The Mayor of Dortmund and the Mayor of Durban have both written to FIFA to commend the city in support of their attempt to host matches in the 2018 tournament. Several of the city’s other partners including Hangzhou (China), Brasov (Romania) and Lille have also backed their bid.

Mayor of Dortmund, Ullrich Sierau, praised Leeds’ “proud footballing history and warm and inviting environment”, claiming the city would be “the perfect destination for football fans from across the globe.”

The boost comes just days before the city submits their bid to the FA on the 26th November. If Leeds are successful and England win the 2018 tournament, matches will be hosted at Elland Road and provide an economic boost to the area. The city will hear it’s fate on the 16th December.