ZURICH - FIFA sent the World Cup into uncharted territory 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 influence still had an impact on FIFA's 22 voters as the bid won over England, Spain-Portugal and Belgium-Netherlands.
Qatar brings the World Cup to the smallest host ever but one which has huge financial clout to stage the world's biggest single-sport event. It overcame objections about holding the games in desert heat. It beat the United States in the final round of voting 14-8.
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