Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian Soccer Confederation, submitted Brazil's letter of intention (bid) to host the 2014 World Cup finals on Wednesday in Tokyo, where many FIFA officials have gathered for the Club World Cup.

As part of FIFA's continental rotation policy, the 2014 championship is set for South America. The 2010 Cup is scheduled for South Africa.

“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 website.

Brazil, the only five-time winner of the World Cup, may be the only candidate and is widely considered a favourite to host the 2014 tournament. The only World Cup staged in Brazil was in 1950, when it was favoured 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 States may be possible candidates.

FIFA's executive committee is to announce the host of the 2014 Cup next November.

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