Brazil in the running to host 2014 World Cup

Brazil have formally submitted their application to host the 2014 World Cup, presenting a letter to FIFA at the Club World Cup in Japan.

Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) president Ricardo Teixeira submitted the letter after a signing ceremony attended by officials from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and FIFA.

"We have formally expressed our aspiration to organise the 2014 World Cup," Teixeira told FIFA.com.

"This is something unique for Brazil and its people, who deserve to be considered as possible hosts.

"For all of the titles won by the region's sides, the last World Cup held here (in South America) was 28 years ago, which means that by the time 2014 comes around, it will have been 36 years since the last edition on our continent.

"Therefore, I believe this is very important not just for Brazil, its football and its people, but for all of South America."

CONMEBOL president Nicolas Leoz added: "Having a World Cup on the continent is exceptionally important, not only for the host nation, but also for all the other associations in the region.

"Given Brazil's willingness to host the event, as far back as 2002 these associations decided to unanimously support its candidacy for 2014."

Teixeira added that plans for 2014 were well underway, and that his country were confident theirs would be the winning bid.

"We have the full support of the government, which had the foresight to create a committee to analyse the range of requirements we will be asked to meet, so as to be able to respond to these in the shortest time possible and proceed to work on the bid for candidacy itself," he said.

Brazil last hosted the World Cup in 1950, reaching the final, but surprisingly losing it 2-1 to Uruguay at the Maracana.