AUSTRALIA'S bid for the 2018 World Cup has been boosted by a A$45.6 million (£20.2 million) grant Football Federation Australia (FFA) from the Government:
http://www.insidethegames.com/show-news.php?id=4357
From Wiki:
Nations that have announced their interest include Australia,[2] England,[3] Qatar,[1] and Russia.[4] The Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) have expressed interest in bidding together,[5] as have Portugal and Spain.[6] FIFA expects several other countries to announce their intent before the 2009 closing date, including China,[7] Canada,[8] Japan,[9] Mexico,[10] and the United States.[11]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_FIFA_World_Cup_bids
So my thoughts:
Aus - I think we're a good show at winning this bid. The only things holding us back are lack of population and time zone IMO.
England - Would have to be one of the favourites to host it.
Qatar - The world is starting to revolve around the middle east. It wouldn't surprise me as the arabs will chuck $$$£££(Euro sign)'s the way of the organisers.
Russia - Also a very good shot at hosting. Just don't expect to be let into the ******* country if you manage to get a ticket


Benelux - Another good shot at hosting.
Portugal and Spain - have great facilities.
China - distinct possibility if they formally bid.
Canada - too cold

Japan - how the heck do they expect to win a bid considering they've only just held the comp?
Mexico - aren't they still in debt from the '68 Olympics?
US - 1994 is far too recent to be expecting to hold the comp again so soon, plus they suck at football and they have Bruce Arena


All I can say is
