To see fans tears and heartbreak in Sydney...

FIFA president Sepp Blatter confirmed the small Middle Eastern country's successful bid following a vote by the governing body's 22-man executive committee today.

Qatar beat bids from Australia, the United States and 2002 World Cup co-hosts Japan and South Korea.

The FIFA executive committees' decision comes as a slight surprise after the US and Australia bids had been highly-fancied.

Qatar's staging of the tournament had come in for some criticism because of the weather in the country during June and July - when temperatures can rise as high as 50 degrees Celsius - while the close proximity of the stadiums had also raised some questions.

Qatar's success in today's vote comes just over a month before they are schedule to host the Asian Cup finals.

To see fans tears and heartbreak in Sydney...