The bidding to host the 2018 World Cup has come down to some bitter rivals. England, Russia, Portugal and Spain, and Belgium and Netherlands are the last countries left to bring the biggest sporting event in the world home. The winning bid will be decided by a FIFA vote on December 2.
Russia leads the odds to host with England, Portugal and Spain, and Belgium and Netherlands following respectively. England was viewed as a low-risk bid by FIFA, but political issues and corruption claims by the country’s media have hurt their chances to host. A BBC program on FIFA corruption scheduled to air on November 29 (three days before the final vote) won’t help matters either.
Additionally, England’s bid chairman, Lord Triesman, stepped down in May after supposedly accusing Russia and Spain of resorting to bribery for the bid. It was reported in England that member of FIFA are selling their votes for the final bid. Whether or not those reports are true remain in question.
Russia’s bid chairman said England would not be a good location because of the high crime rates and drinking problems among young persons in London. With all these setbacks, the odds are being stretched for England to host its first World Cup since 1966.
Russia has been deemed as a medium risk by FIFA and hasn’t ever hosted a World Cup. It will most likely come down to England and Russia for the bid, but Portugal and Spain are the best value bet. FIFA sees them as a low risk bid. There are concerns over a joint bid, but they successfully hosted the 2004 European Championships together. They were accused of having a voting alliance with Qatar, who is competing for the 2022 World Cup, but FIFA ruled that Portugal and Spain were clean. Australia, the United States, Japan, Qatar and South Korea are bidding for 2022.
Belgium and Netherlands are the longshot and best avoided because of weak government. If Russia and England continue a negative campaign against each other, Portugal and Spain could sneak away with this bid. Watch closely with your online betting as the deadline approaches.
World Cup 2018 Bid Odds (provided by Ladbrokes)
Russia: 4/5
England: 13/8
Portugal and Spain: 5/1
Belgium and Netherlands: 33/1
Just for kicks, here is one more special bet for the 2018 World Cup free of charge.
World Cup 2018 Continent of Winner (provided by Titan Bet)
Europe: 17/20
South America: 11/10
Africa: 12/1
Any Other: 14/1