Executive committee vice president Chung Mong-Joon confirmed that a unanimous decision was reached to halt rotating the host nation among six continental confederations.

Mong-Joon added that associations have the right to apply for hosting the World Cup starting with the 2018 competition.

The decision comes in favor of England, who aim to be the host nation of the 2018 World Cup, as revealed by FA chairman Geoff Thompson.

"We welcome the decision made by the FIFA executive committee and will now consider our position," Thompson said.

The next tournament in 2010 will be held in South Africa, while Brazil are in pole position to host the 2014 World Cup after applying as a sole representative to the CONMEBOL zone.