2018 FIFA World Cup: Asian Nations Challenge Each Other

With Japan signaling its interest in hosting the 2018/2022 FIFA Word Cup Finals, Asia may find itself out of the race before it even begins.

Although Australia is the only AFC member to officially announce its bid, China and Qatar have also shown interest. If all four (including Japan) submit formal applications it is likely that the region's support will be divided and all will miss out.

Asian Football Confederation chief Mohamad Bin Hammam has indicated that he only wants one official bid from the region to ensure the greatest chance of success. This may mean endorsing the strongest bid and encouraging all others to withdraw.

FIFA will select the hosts for 2018 and 2022 in 2010.