FIFA president Sepp Blatter says Australia would be better off bidding to host the 2022 World Cup instead of trying for the event four years earlier.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced its intention to bid for the 2018 World Cup with the backing of the Federal Government.

The next two World Cups will be held in South Africa (2010) and Brazil (2014).

Mr Blatter says that although he is very impressed with Australia, it is unlikely to land the 2018 finals.

"They are advocating for 2018 but 2018 will be very difficult after having been already in the southern hemisphere and to be far away."

"But in 2022, it's open."

Mr Blatter says Sydney's hosting of the FIFA World Congress has been outstanding and in keeping with Australia's progress in football.

He told Congress delegates at the Sydney Opera House last night he expected Australia's reputation in the soccer world to improve further.