England to hear 2018 fate in 2010
England will find out in December 2010 if it has been chosen as the host nation for the 2018 World Cup.
England and a joint bid by Belgium and the Netherlands are intended candidates and they could be joined by the likes of Spain, Russia, Australia and the US.
"We will start the 2018 bidding process early next year," said Jerome Valcke, secretary general of Fifa, world football's governing body.
"We expect to make a decision by December 2010."
Valcke added that Fifa was contemplating announcing the hosts for both 2018 and 2022 together to allow sufficient time for preparation.
"We feel seven years is the minimum time you need for a country to build all the infrastructure they need to host a World Cup," he said.
Brazil was chosen to host the 2014 World Cup in October 2007, but South Africa was awarded the 2010 tournament in May 2004, allowing just over six years to prepare.
The country is building six new stadiums and renovating four, rebuilding airports and investing massively in upgrading its road and rail networks. Many of the projects are on tight deadlines.
"It is quite evident that six years is a bare minimum to organise a World Cup. There is not much flexibility and time is fundamental," Valcke said.
" certain elements will only be ready one month before the start of competition which doesn't leave much time if there's a problem."
