The world governing body initially set a 10-city maximum - but following a special request by the Brazilian Football Confederation, Blatter has announced a rethink.

"Brazil is more than a country. It's a kind of sub-continent, and will have the opportunity to represent the championship in 12 venues," said Blatter.

Eighteen cities are in the reckoning, and a decision is expected next year.

Blatter added: "In a moment of worldwide (financial) crisis, emotions are necessary - and nothing beats football.

"FIFA will keep working to give the World Cup the history a country like Brazil deserves."

The governor of Sao Paulo state, Jose Serra, believes the final should be at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana - scene of Brazil's defeat by Uruguay in 1950.

"The Maracana owes something since 1950, so the World Cup final must be there," he said.

"Sao Paulo is still hoping for the opening game, but nothing has been sorted out yet."

Pele, meanwhile, does not attach such significance to the tournament's first match.

"I think that working well to host a good World Cup is more important than organising the opening match," he said.