BRAZIL have been confirmed as hosts to the 2014 World Cup.They were the only country bidding to host the tournament which was due to be staged in South America.

BRAZIL have been confirmed as hosts to the 2014 World Cup.

They were the only country bidding to host the tournament which was due to be staged in South America. Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said: "Soccer is more than a sport for us, it's a national passion.”

Brazil, who have won the cup a record five times, have held the tournament once before in 1950, when they reached the final but lost to Uruguay 2-1.

They are setting aside a £550million to update the stadiums including the Maracanã which hosted the 1950 World Cup final.