Fifa president Sepp Blatter has raised serious doubts over England's hopes of staging the World Cup in 2018.
If Fifa's executive committee decides in December to maintain its rotation policy, the tournament will be held in either North America or Asia.
Blatter, in London to meet Chancellor Gordon Brown, said: "The executive must take a decision whether the rotation should include all federations.
"If the Americas are considered as one, then rotation would go to Asia."
The USA has indicated its intention to bid to stage the finals for a second time, while China has thrown its hat into the ring along with Australia.
However, speaking at function in London on Wednesday night, Blatter insisted England would stand a good chance of hosting the tournament - if it came to Europe.
The Fifa president said: "I know there are other countries who would like to have the World Cup, Europe does not stop with the European Union, you have to also consider Russia.
"But yes if it comes back to Europe, England would have a very good chance because they have the best technical infrastructure, organisation of security, and safe and confident stadiums.
"It's an example to the world."
Fifa's December executive committee meeting could decide to throw the competition out to all bidders.
Blatter said: "It may be that the majority of the Fifa executive committee where you have eight European representatives out of 24, can find the 13 votes needed."
The Fifa president said his personal inclination was for the rotation to continue to North America, with the USA, Mexico, and Canada all capable of hosting the tournament.