Japan have opted out of the race to host the 2018 World Cup, preferring instead to focus their intentions on the 2022 bid.
FIFA will make their decision for the 2018 hosts in December and will choose from six remaining bidders – Australia, Russia, England, the United States, Belgium/Netherlands and Spain/Portugal.
Qatar and South Korea have already thrown their hats in the ring for the 2022 tournament. The Japanese Football Association will now take the advice of the FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, and focus on the 2022 World Cup.
England plan to expand Home Park in Plymouth and build a new Bristol City stadium with a view to securing the 2018 tournament.
