Preparations for the tournament have been blighted by problems, with FIFA even threatening to withdraw Curitiba's place on the list of host stadiums as recently as January.

Six construction workers have died in preparations for the tournament, with some stadiums facing a catalogue of delays in getting themselves ready for the governing body's December deadline.

Brazil has also been blighted by violence in recent weeks, with some protests over the cost of staging the World Cup.

More than 100 people were arrested after cars were set on fire and buildings smashed in Sao Paulo in January, with some protesters chanting: "If we have no rights, there will be no Cup."

And last month, riot police fired tear gas and at least seven people were hurt when protesters stormed Central Station in Rio de Janeiro.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter says this summer's World Cup will be an "exceptional competition" ©Bongarts/Getty Images



But marking the 100 days to go countdown, Blatter said he was confident the competition will be a success.

"One hundred days is a long way to go," he said.

"It's a short way to go if there are still problems, but now all problems are under control and it will be, in 100 days, an exceptionally good start for an exceptional competition.

"They [Brazil] will receive this competition with open arms and full of their heart."

He added: "The country where the skill of football has been inaugurated is Brazil.

"The Brazilian spirit of the game and the Brazilian ability to play football makes this World Cup very, very special.

"Everybody is excepting in Brazil that Brazil will bring home this World Cup, and that's why there is such a big expectation and I am sure it will be a great, great success."

The World Cup, the first to be hosted in Brazil since 1950, will see 32 teams compete across 12 venues for the trophy from June 12 to July 13.