THE JOINT BID by Spain and Portugal to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup is to receive a major boost from Fifa following a Fifa delegation’s report on the bid after touring the Iberian peninsula.

“The Iberian candidature has many possibilities of being chosen to organise the 2018/2022 World Cup, and our report is going to be very positive” the President of the Chilean national federation, a member of the Fifa delegation, said.

President Mayne-Nicholls also commented on the widespread support for the bid: “we’ve observed that they have a great sporting, hotel and transport infrastructure, and have the unwavering support of the political and sporting authorities.”

There are five bids for the 2018 World Cup- Belgium and the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, USA, England and Russia. All five countries are also bidding for the 2022 World Cup, joining the Asian bids of Japan, Australia, Qatar and South Korea.

The decision on the hosts of both World Cups will be made by the Fifa executive committee on 2 December.