International Football Federation president Sepp Blatter says the 2018 World Cup tournament should be held in North America, and he dismissed suggestions England would get the nod.
Speaking in London Wednesday, Blatter said he understands the eagerness of the English Football Association to host the tournament. However, he said it is not definite the finals will go back to Europe in 2018.
South Africa is set to host the event in 2010 and FIFA will decide the host of the 2014 World Cup in November. Brazil is expected to bid for the 2014 tournament, and Blatter has said if Brazil does not host the event, the tournament could be "moved north."
The United States last hosted the World Cup in 1994. The tournament was held in Mexico in 1986. Canada has never hosted the event. Last year's World Cup was held in Germany, and Blatter says he favors a system that would not have the tournament again in Europe until 2022.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
