England, Australia and a joint-bid by Belgium and the Netherlands are intended candidates and they could be joined by Russia, Qatar, China, Mexico, the United States and a joint bid by Portugal and Spain.

 

Valcke said: "In attributing the 2018 World Cup at the end of 2010 we will be sticking to a similar timetable to the one used for Brazil [2014 hosts] which was chosen seven years in advance."

 

Valcke appeared to suggest that FIFA would favour a European host country for 2018 after it is staged in South Africa in 2010 and Brazil.

 

He said: "I have a feeling that Germany [who staged the 2006 tournament] tomorrow morning could host the World Cup.

 

"Because they have a very strong professional league, stadiums are ready, so there are a few European countries for sure will not have to spend as much money as South Africa is doing or as Brazil will have to do because there is not a single, what we call, World Cup stadium in Brazil.

 

"Again, I have the feeling that there will be competition, I would say between five to eight countries, bidding for 2018.  

 

"These will come from four confederations as Africa and South America will not have access to 2018.

 

"It will be potentially the so called rich countries, where there are already the infrastructure we need to host a World Cup."