Russia was selected ahead of co-bidders Spain-Portugal and Holland-Belgium and England, which won only two votes.

Qatar defeated bids from the Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia and the United States.

Russia received nine votes in the first round of voting and an outright majority of 13 in the second round, while Qatar obtained an outright majority of 14 in the fourth round of voting for 2022.

It is the first time that either Russia or Qatar has been chosen as host nation for the World Cup.

Russia's selection comes despite the absence of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin from the vote in Switzerland.

The 58-year-old had been expected to be a prominent figurehead for the Russian bid in the final days of campaigning but instead remained in Moscow.

He is now expected to fly to Zurich to thank Fifa for what he described as "a sign of trust" for his country.