ZURICH, Switzerland (AP)

FIFA formally kicked off the bidding process yesterday to stage the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

FIFA has set a February 2 deadline for potential hosts to register their interest at the start of a two-year process, combining the bidding for both tournaments. The two hosts will be chosen by FIFA's 24-man executive committee in December 2010.

Candidates must provide around 12 stadiums holding at least 40,000 fans for group matches, with one stadium of at least 80,000 capacity to stage the opening match and final.

Eligible to enter

The requirements and timetable are set out in a letter sent to all its member national associations eligible to enter the race.

Countries confirmed to bid for hosting in 2018 are Australia, England, Qatar and Russia plus joint bids from Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain and Portugal.

Other bids are expected from China, Japan, Mexico, United States and Canada.

No South American country can apply for either tournament because Brazil is hosting the 2014 tournament.

African countries can only bid for the 2022 event because South Africa is hosting in 2010.

A total of 145 countries are eligible to host the 2018 edition, with 198 possible applicants for 2022.