FIFA President Sepp Blatter has announced that Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup finals, following a meeting of the Executive Committee.
Brazil was the only country bidding to host the tournament which was due to be staged in South America under Fifa’s rotation system.
The other South American nations agreed to withdraw and back Brazil.
Brazil has hosted the tournament once before, in 1950, when they were beaten 2-1 in the final by rivals Uruguay.
Eighteen cities are expected to bid to host games, with eight to 10 being chosen.
Brazil is setting aside around £500m for updating their stadiums, including the Maracana which hosted the 1950 World Cup final.
Blatter said that he had been impressed by Brazil’s plans for 2014 despite the fact they were the only bidders following Colombia’s withdrawal.
“The task was not easy – for us it was a real big challenge to have the same list of requirements and the same conditions for only one candidate than if we had two and perhaps we put the bar higher than if we had two,” said Blatter.
“There was an extraordinary presentation by the delegation and we witnessed that this World Cup will have such a big social and cultural impact in Brazil.
“This is the country that has given to the world the best football and the best footballers, and they are five times world champions.”
Fifa’s inspection report added: “Brazil has a rich history of hosting sporting and other international events.
“But the standards and demands of the World Cup will far surpass those of any other event staged in the history of Brazil in terms of magnitude and complexity.
“The inspection team wants Fifa experts to review the process and progress of host city selection to ensure that adequate financing is committed and secured.”
FIFA also confirmed that Germany will stage the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.
