The Fifa president Sepp Blatter has called on the Spanish Football Association to join the race to host the 2018 World Cup, putting them in direct competition with England.

England, Russia, Australia, Holland and Belgium (joint), China, Japan, USA, Canada, Mexico have all thrown their hat into the ring to host the 2018 finals.

"I have good memories of the 1982 World Cup in Spain, I encourage the Spanish FA to present a bid and the next occasion when this would be possible is for 2018," said Blatter

It had been reported that Spain was considering a joint bid with Portugal.

Portugal hosted the European Championship in 2004, while Spain held the 1982 World Cup.