Australia's chances of hosting the 2018 World Cup will increase today when the Federal Government announces a $45 million bid. The backing provided by the Federal Government allows Football Federation Australia to build a significant challenge to host the 2018 tournament against other candidates such as the US and England.

FFA officials have put together proposals and models detailing every aspect of hosting such an event in the country but were quick to point out that other sports in Australia would not miss out due to such a high amount of Government funding.

"The World Cup campaign is a separate project which is not taking funds from other sports," Federal Sports Minister Kate Ellis said.

"Hosting the World Cup would provide Australia a unique opportunity with great benefits to the wider community, not just the football fraternity . . . and bring significant economic benefit to Australia including boosts to tourism, infrastructure and jobs around the country."