Russia withdraw from 2022 race

The decision was a formality once the United States pulled out of the 2018 contest last week, leaving a four-way race between European bidders.

FIFA rules stipulate that the World Cup can’t be played on the same continent twice in a row. With the 2018 tournament now certain to be in Europe, the 2022 competition will take place on another continent.

The 2022 contest is now a fight between United States of America, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Qatar.