Simultaneous decision on 2018 and 2022 hosts

FIFA have confirmed the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be decided at the same time – but not put any block on countries bidding for both.

At one point it was felt football’s world governing body would state only bids from European countries would be accepted for 2018 – which would have offered a big lift for England, who have already declared their intention to lodge an application.