Russia will do everything possible to host the World Cup in either 2018 or 2022, the Russian sports minister said on Monday.
Russia is competing with England, Australia, the United States, Spain and Portugal, and Belgium and the Netherlands to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Japan, South Korea and Qatar are bidding only for the second tournament.
"We are eager to bring the World Cup to Russia. I believe we will succeed in this task," Vitaly Mutko said.
A FIFA delegation arrived on Monday for a three-day official visit to Russia to consider the country's bid to host either of the two championships.
The delegation began its visit from St. Petersburg, Russia's second largest city, and will then proceed to Moscow, Kazan and Sochi, the host town of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
FIFA officials have already visited Japan, South Korea, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. After visiting Russia, the delegation will fly to England.
FIFA will appoint hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups on December 2. The 2018 tournament is expected to be given to a European bidder, meaning the 2022 event will be held on a different continent.
ST. PETERSBURG, August 16 (RIA Novosti)
