If, as looks certain, FIFA decide to scrap rotation of the World Cup around the different continents a number of countries including Australia are expected to bid to host the 2018 finals.
We assess the contenders:-
England
FOR: In a much better state than for the disastrous campaign for the 2006 World Cup. Have a professional campaign already and have their developed international support. There are good ideas in the pipeline to increase backing from FIFA and the country can boast the best stadia in the world.
AGAINST: Have hosted the tournament before. Suggestions that Britain's privileged role on FIFA causes some resentment. Perhaps 2018 is too soon after London hosting 2012 Olympics.
Russia
FOR: Have never hosted the World Cup before and FIFA like the idea of taking the tournament to new areas - such as South Africa and Korea/Japan. Showed by winning the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi that are a major player in bids. Have the potential to access financial muscle to back their bid.
AGAINST: The sheer scale of the country is daunting from a planning perspective. The stadia would need a lot of work.
China
FOR: Have not hosted the World Cup and the nature of the government would guarantee no worries about building all the stadia and facilities. FIFA view China as a country with vast potential for football expansion. Successfully hosted this year's women's World Cup.
AGAINST: One of the weaker footballing countries in Asia. Would need significant building programme for stadia and facilities. Not huge political support inside FIFA.
Australia
FOR: The only continent not to have hosted the World Cup. Memories of the success of the Sydney Olympics in 2000 are still very strong. A good web of links in the international sporting community.
AGAINST: The fully professional A league in Australia is still relatively embryonic and the sport lags behind rugby union, rugby league and Aussie Rules in popularity.
Canada
FOR: Have not been World Cup hosts before. On strict rotation basis, are part of the CONCACAF federation who would be due to have the 2018 finals. Broke attendance records at the recent under-20 World Cup.
AGAINST: Precious little World Cup pedigree, infrastructure needs major development, minimal political backing.
Benelux
FOR: Eight of the 23 members of FIFA's executive committee are European, not including FIFA president Sepp Blatter, and feel the finals should return to the continent at least every third tournament. By bidding jointly Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg hope to cover as many bases as possible.
AGAINST: Blatter and many FIFA executives are opposed to joint bids after the experience of Japan and Korea in 2002 where costs and bureaucracy doubled due to having joint hosts.
England
FOR: In a much better state than for the disastrous campaign for the 2006 World Cup. Have a professional campaign already and have their developed international support. There are good ideas in the pipeline to increase backing from FIFA and the country can boast the best stadia in the world.
AGAINST: Have hosted the tournament before. Suggestions that Britain's privileged role on FIFA causes some resentment. Perhaps 2018 is too soon after London hosting 2012 Olympics.
Russia
FOR: Have never hosted the World Cup before and FIFA like the idea of taking the tournament to new areas - such as South Africa and Korea/Japan. Showed by winning the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi that are a major player in bids. Have the potential to access financial muscle to back their bid.
AGAINST: The sheer scale of the country is daunting from a planning perspective. The stadia would need a lot of work.
China
FOR: Have not hosted the World Cup and the nature of the government would guarantee no worries about building all the stadia and facilities. FIFA view China as a country with vast potential for football expansion. Successfully hosted this year's women's World Cup.
AGAINST: One of the weaker footballing countries in Asia. Would need significant building programme for stadia and facilities. Not huge political support inside FIFA.
Australia
FOR: The only continent not to have hosted the World Cup. Memories of the success of the Sydney Olympics in 2000 are still very strong. A good web of links in the international sporting community.
AGAINST: The fully professional A league in Australia is still relatively embryonic and the sport lags behind rugby union, rugby league and Aussie Rules in popularity.
Canada
FOR: Have not been World Cup hosts before. On strict rotation basis, are part of the CONCACAF federation who would be due to have the 2018 finals. Broke attendance records at the recent under-20 World Cup.
AGAINST: Precious little World Cup pedigree, infrastructure needs major development, minimal political backing.
Benelux
FOR: Eight of the 23 members of FIFA's executive committee are European, not including FIFA president Sepp Blatter, and feel the finals should return to the continent at least every third tournament. By bidding jointly Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg hope to cover as many bases as possible.
AGAINST: Blatter and many FIFA executives are opposed to joint bids after the experience of Japan and Korea in 2002 where costs and bureaucracy doubled due to having joint hosts.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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