Six years before the tournament, there is a secret ballot under a single transferable vote system, by FIFA’s 24-member executive committee.
Before then each candidate country has to submit a bid document, which includes a hosting agreement and government guarantees.
There are details on security and transportation and stadiums and other related facilities. A visit is then [...]

02 Nov 2006
BBC Sport – Government is willing to back an English bid for 2018
19 July 2006
BBC Sport – Caborn backs 2018 World Cup bid
14 July 2006
Financial Express – Local governments would support Australian bid
27 Mar 2006
Sportal.com.au – Melb eyes 2018 World Cup
10 Feb 2006
Eurosport – Dutch plan World Cup bid
10 Feb 2006
Herald Sun – [...]

There was a study looking at the costs and benefits of an English bid for the 2018 World Cup made in the Autumn of 2006.
A possible bid from England could be put in motion in 2009.
Countries will launch formal bids in 2010.