The FPF further congratulated “Spain and the Spanish people” in a statement posted on its website, saying it was an “historic victory” and the Spanish football team are deserved holders of both the World Cup and the European Nations’ Cup, which it won in 2008.

Spain won its first World Cup last Sunday through a solitary goal scored by Barcelona midfielder Iniesta three minutes from the end of extra-time.

The Iberian bid has been said by many pundits to be amongst the favourites for hosting either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

In January 2009, and after months of speculation, Portugal and Spain made a joint announcement that they had formalised the basic framework under which they will be launching a bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cups. Support from South America and even Africa when FIFA sits down to select the host country or countries could prove crucial due to the many friends Portugal and Spain have on these continents.

Officials in Lisbon and Madrid have said should their 2018 bid fail, they would look to host football’s showpiece tournament four years later.

Portugal built seven modern stadiums from scratch and renovated three others for Euro 2004 as well as upgrading the country’s transport infrastructure in what was termed the “best Euro ever” by UEFA.

Benfica’s Estádio da Luz is Portugal’s biggest venue, with a 62,000 capacity for international games – 18,000 short of FIFA’s demand that the final or opening game be held at a venue with a capacity of 80,000.

Sporting’s Estádio José Alvalade and FC Porto’s Estádio do Dragão each hold 52,000 and are unlikely to require many refurbishments.

A total of 12 stadiums are to be used in the World Cup.