Aussies enter 2018 World Cup race

Fifa president Sepp Blatter said joint bids are likely to fail

England will face competition from Australia to host the 2018 World Cup.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has been boosted by a £19.3m pledge from the government to fund their campaign for both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

"We know we have the capacity, experience and expertise to deliver a successful Fifa World Cup," said FFA chairman Frank Lowy.

The deadline for official bids expires 2 February and the successful countries will be announced in December 2010.

Japan, Qatar, Mexico, Russia and Indonesia have also declared their intention to host the prestigious tournament in 2018.

Fifa announced in December 2008 that bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups would be decided at the same time.

The bid will also help the world understand that Australia is a 'can do' country FFA chairman Frank Lowy

Should a 2018 bid fail it now means countries can enter the 2022 vote straight after, as long as 2018's hosts are not from the same continent.

"We believe this is a passion and commitment that can be shared with the world and it would form part of a living and lasting legacy to the world from Australia," said Lowry.

"The bid will also help the world understand that Australia is a 'can do' country, where important, major events can happen with a minimum of fuss and a minimum of worry."

Australia's campaign is likely to receive support from Fifa president Sepp Blatter, who said in May last year that it would be "very special" if the tournament went down under for the first time.

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