Benelux Nations Confirm 2018 World Cup Bid
The Benelux countries of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have officially unveiled a joint bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals, making them the first confirmed competitor to England’s bid.
The Belgians and Dutch have a recent history in collaboration in staging large football tournaments having hosted the UEFA European Championship together in 2000.
China, Australia, Mexico, Russia, Spain and the United States have also expressed an interest in being hosts of the 2018 World Cup but have yet to declare officially that they will bid.
As part of the Benelux bid, Luxembourg would not host any matches, but would stage a FIFA congress, and unlike the others hosts will not automatically qualify for the finals.
South Africa will host the next finals in 2010, with the draw for the qualifying groups taking place on 25th November.
Brazil stage the tournament four years later and the winning bid for the 2018 tournament will be announced by FIFA in 2011.
