The Sun-Herald

2018: The Contenders

With a lot of World Cup hot air, which countries are making a run for 2018?

It's worth noting that, as FIFA's Executive Committee sat down in Tokyo the weekend before Christmas to decide ground rules for the 2018 and 2022 bidding process, just three countries had officially declared an interest.

Here's the who, why, and why not to official bids and possible contenders.

DEFINITELY IN

England
The old-school sentimental favourite, England hosted the World Cup in 1966 (the only year it's won the world's top football trophy) and the European Championships in 1996. It has set up "England 2018", a bid body chaired by Lord Triesman, also the Football Association's chairman, and has government backing. England has history, facilities, and infrastructure. It also has enemies around the football world.

Belgium-Holland (Yes, combined)
Belgium and Holland successfully hosted Euro 2000, a tournament with just 16 teams rather than the 32-nation World Cup. Considered an outsider among the big boys, a key to success could come as a compromise candidate. Michel Platini, president of UEFA, European football's governing body, has privately said he wants just one bid from Europe. If not, he won't vote in his role on the Executive Committee when the time comes to decide.

Australia
In early December, the Federal Government agreed to fund Australia's bid with over $45 million in cash. That decision formally announced Australia was in the running for 2018. There are many positives to Australia hosting in 2018 but it will have to overcome challenges as well - primarily Europe's tight grip on hosts and, after 2010 in South Africa and 2014 in Brazil, Europeans will vote to bring the World Cup back to the northern hemisphere.

SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING

Spain
Angel Maria Villar Llona, the President of Spain's Football Federation, pledged on his reelection in November that bringing the World Cup to Spain (it hosted in 1982) would be a top priority. There has been talk of a joint bid with Portugal (host of Euro 2004) but Spain has stadium and infrastructure - not to mention cafés and restaurants - that make it a possible leading contender. It would attract support from South America and, probably, North and Central America.

Russia
There's money in Russia, sort of. While individuals like Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich have deep, deep, pockets, the government is experiencing financial difficulties, just like all countries around the world. There were even recent reports that it has requested refunds on loans to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic organisers. Prohibitive costs - Moscow is one of the world's most expensive cities - may make it a nightmare for common fans.

THE LONG SHOTS

Qatar
The Arab nation wants to be a player in the sports world but it's widely agreed that factors out of its control - like the weather in June when a World Cup would be held - makes success for a bid unlikely.

China
An ideal host for FIFA and its continuing push into Asia. Football is growing fast and, more importantly, so is the economy. But Chinese football is a mess on and off the pitch and 2018 may be a few years too soon.

DARK HORSE

United States of America
United States Soccer Federation boss Sunil Galati is on record saying the US will confirm its position once it knows the official bidding process. The US, which successfully hosted in 1994, would have a powerful bid. Watch this space. A lot.

Mexico
Should Mexico be successful for 2018 or 2022, it would be the first county to host the tournament three times - after 1970 and 1986. The Mexican Federation was ready to bid among its regional rivals had FIFA maintained its rotation policy and it's federation president has boldly declared "it is not a matter of 'if" it is 'when'".