Qatar, Russia Picked to Host World Cups

US, Britain lose out in bids for 2018, 2022 tournaments
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 2, 2010 10:03 AM CST
Qatar, Russia Picked to Host World Cups
FIFA President Joseph Blatter announces Russia to host the 2018 World Cup during the announcement of the host country for the 2018 soccer World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010.   (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

FIFA shocked the world today by selecting Russia and Qatar to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively. The US was widely considered the favorite to host in 2022, reports the AP, while Russia was considered a long shot against England, Spain-Portugal and Belgium-Netherlands. Vladimir Putin, who was heralded as the "team captain" of Russia's bid, declined to even show up and make a pitch in Zurich. (More Russia stories.)

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