U.S. won't be able to host the World Cup until 2026 at the earliest

FIFA (Federacion Internacionale de Football Association) announced early on Thursday the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Russia was selected as the host for 2018, and although the U.S. had been bidding for 2022, Qatar was selected instead.

Had the U.S. won, it would have been the nation's first time hosting the soccer showcase since 1994. Now the next World Cup America can bid for is 2026.

FIFA's executive committee chose Qatar over the U.S., Australia, Japan, and South Korea in a secret vote Thursday morning. This was just minutes after Russia, who beat out England and joint bids by Spain-Portugal and Netherlands-Belgium, was announced as the 2018 host.

Russia won despite the absence of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Zurich. At the last minute, he declined to make a final pitch for his country.

FIFA regulations state that the World Cup cannot be held on the same continent consecutively.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Brazil for the 2014 Cup. The 2010 World Cup, during which Spain emerged victorious, was held this past summer in South Africa.