FIFA President Sepp Blatter on Wednesday said that if FIFA decides to maintain its policy of World Cup rotation, England and Europe might not be considered for the 2018 tournament. Blatter said the tournament would most likely be awarded to a North American or Asian country, unless FIFA decides to count the Americas as one, which means the tournament would go to Asia. The last time the World Cup was hosted in North America was USA 1994; the last time in Asia was Korea/Japan 2002. It is widely expected that the 2014 tournament will go to a South American nation-Brazil is the frontrunner, although if the Americas are counted as one, then the U.S. could also bid on that tournament.
Speaking at a luncheon in London, Blatter told a room of sports and government officials that if FIFA decides to return the tournament to Europe, England would stand “a very good chance…because they have the best technical infrastructure, organization of security, and safe and confident stadiums…It’s an example to the world.” The last time England hosted the World Cup was in 1966, which it won. Aside from England and the USA, China and Australia are also expected to bid for 2018. Blatter said FIFA’s executive committee might decide to extend an offer to any bidders when it convenes this November, though his personal preference is to keep the rotation policy and award the next tournament to North America.