AP
FIFA sent the World Cup into uncharted territory on Thursday, handing the 2018 edition to Russia and going to Qatar in 2022.
Russia's selection came despite the no-show of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, but his clout still had an impact on FIFA's 22 voters as it beat England, Spain-Portugal and Belgium-Netherlands.
Qatar brings the World Cup to the smallest host ever but one which has unparalleled financial power to stage the world's biggest single-sport event.
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It overcame objections about holding the games in desert heat and asked FIFA to take a "bold gamble".
The United States and Australia had been tipped as favourites alongside Qatar.
