FIFA gave Japan's 2022 World Cup bid less-than glowing reviews in an evaluation report released on Wednesday by world soccer's governing body.
FIFA pointed out Japan's experience in cohosting the 2002 World Cup and the 2001 Confederations Cup with South Korea, as well as staging several Club World Cups.
But the FIFA evaluation team — which started the 11-nation inspection tour in July in Japan and, finished in September in Qatar — noted that the Japanese bid does not have ample government support.
Japan is running against South Korea, Australia, Qatar and the United States. The winner will be selected on Dec. 2 by FIFA's 24 board members, along with the host of the 2018 tournament.