Obama hints that he will attend World Cup 2010

L’AQUILA, Italy — President Barack Obama is hinting he’ll attend next year’s World Cup soccer championship in South Africa.

After a photograph with South African President Jacob Zuma on Friday, a reporter asked Obama if he’ll attend the matches. “That’s my goal,” Obama replied.

The White House has said Obama hadn’t made a decision if he’d attend the event. But Friday, Obama suggested he wants to. After answering the question, the U.S. president playfully asked, “Did you get that?”

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has invited Obama to the World Cup opening ceremony and has said Obama will try to make it. The White House said Obama has agreed to meet with the head of FIFA, the governing body of the sport, about the World Cup.

The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 11.