Injuries have forced established midfielders Mark Bresciano, Vince Grella and Harry Kewell out of Australia's squad for their World Cup qualifying clash with Qatar in Brisbane on Oct. 15.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter will propose new World Cup bidding rules that would dash U.S. hopes of hosting the 2018 tournament but put the Americans in prime position to stage soccer's showcase event in 2022. Blatter said Monday he wants to avoid the World Cup staying in the Americas after Brazil stages it in 2014.