Blatter says World Cup should head to N.America

By Mike Collett

LONDON (Reuters) - The 2018 World Cup should be held in North America, although Asia and Europe could also host the finals, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Wednesday.

"If the FIFA executive committee decides later this year that the rotation policy is maintained, in strict procedure it should be in North America in 2018 and there are three countries who could host it there -- the United States, Mexico and Canada," Blatter told a media briefing.

He dismissed suggestions it was a foregone conclusion the tournament would be held in Europe in 11 years' time.

England, who hosted the World Cup in 1966, has expressed a keen interest in staging the 2018 finals with the government strongly backing the idea.

"I can understand the eagerness of the English FA, supported by politicians, to stage the finals, but it is not definite the finals will come back to Europe in 2018," added Blatter.

The U.S., Australia and China have also signalled their intentions to host the world's biggest single sporting event.

Blatter was in England for a series of meetings including one with Chancellor Gordon Brown later on Wednesday.

FIFA will make a decision on the host nation for the 2014 finals -- and on its future rotation policy -- in Durban, South Africa in November just before the qualifying round draw for the 2010 finals which are being staged in South Africa.