Russia and Japan have officially launched their bids to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Campaigns launched for 2018/2022 tournaments
Russia and Japan have officially launched their bids to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
England, Australia and USA are also in the running, while there are joint campaigns from Spain/Portugal and Holland/Belgium.
Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko is nevertheless hopeful of staging the tournament, saying a successful bid would 'inspire Eastern Europe'.
"This is an important initiative, not only for football, but for the entire nation," he said on www.russia2018-2022.com.
"Hosting the World Cup will have a positive impact upon many millions of Russian youth and create a legacy of sporting, economic and personal growth through football.
"Russia opens up a historic choice to FIFA as it represents a host country from the former Soviet bloc to inspire Eastern Europe.
"It also gives the opportunity to place the 2018/2022 World Cup in a country blending the best of Europe and Asia, offering fans a compelling, exciting host country that is known for its traditional hospitality."
Excitement
Japan, who co-hosted the 2002 World Cup with South Korea, believe they could provide a uniquely memorable competition.
Motoaki Inukai, chairman of the bid committee, said: "Japan would like to surprise the world by hosting and developing a World Cup to a new dimension."
The committee announced their concept "Truly Universal" that unveils its true value of the World Cup as the world's largest communication device, shares the joy of sports and contributes to world peace through the power of football.
Kohzo Tashima, General Secretary of the Japan Football Association, explained the concept further: "The World Cup we propose goes beyond the national border as a host country.
"We would like to share the excitement of the World Cup with everybody. In other words, we will co-host the event with all the other nations of the world!"
