Brazil seeks to host first World Cup since 1950

Brazil is a candidate to host the 2014 World Cup. Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian Soccer Confederation, presented Brazil's letter of intention Wednesday in Tokyo, where many FIFA officials have gathered for the Club World Cup. "We have formally expressed our desire to organize the 2014 World Cup, a unique opportunity for the Brazilian people who really deserve to be the eventual hosts," Teixeira said, according to FIFA's Web site. As part of FIFA's continental rotation policy, the 2014 championship is set for South America. The 2010 Cup is scheduled for South Africa. Brazil, the only five-time winner of the World Cup, may be the only candidate and is widely considered a favorite to host the 2014 tournament. The only World Cup staged in Brazil was in 1950, when it was favored but lost 2-1 to Uruguay in the final. "This is very important not only for Brazilian football and our people but also for South America," Teixeira added. However, Brazil must meet a series of requirements from FIFA regarding quality and capacity of stadiums, hotels and transportation. If Brazil fails to meet the requirements, Canada and the United fifa 14 coins online States may be possible candidates. FIFA's executive committee is to announce the host of the 2014 Cup next November.