FIFA Confirm Brazil as World Cup 2014 Hosts

As expected, FIFA have today confirmed that Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup.

FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, said:

"There was an extraordinary presentation by the delegation and we witnessed that this World Cup will have such a big social and cultural impact in Brazil.

"This is the country that has given to the world the best football and the best footballers, and they are five times world champions."

Work will now start on renovating stadiums across Brazil, so that they are fit to host the world's players and media in 2014. The Brazilian government have put aside £550million in order to bring all the stadiums and facilities up to standard in time for the tournament.

Brazil to Present World Cup Plans on Tuesday

The Brazilian football association, the CFB, will travel to the FIFA headquarters in Zurich this coming Tuesday to present their application to host the 2014 World Cup. FIFA will announce whether or not Brazil's bid has been successful a week later.

Brazil, who last hosted the World Cup in 1950, are the only nation in the running for the 2014 World Cup, after both Argentina and Colombia pulled out in the early stages.

FIFA officials have already been to Brazil to inspect five cities and meet the representatives from thirteen more who wish to hold games during the tournament. Their full report can be downloaded here (PDF).