So far eight countries -- Germany, the United States, Argentina, Japan, Togo, Sweden, the Netherlands and Iran -- have made their decision with some opting for a giant metropolis while others preferring a tranquil village.

Hosts Germany will be based in the capital Berlin -- where the final will be played on July 9 -- with manager Juergen Klinsmann feeling his predecessor Rudi Voller's choice of Leverkusen was unsuitable.

The United States have also gone for a big city in the form of Hamburg, Germany's second largest city with 1.7 million inhabitants, as the airport is located close to the city's downtown area.

Sweden have chosen the northern city of Bremen taking advantage of the top facilities at leading Bundesliga club Werder Bremen, while Japan have gone for the former administrative capital Bonn.

The Netherlands have opted for Hinterzarten in the south west near the picturesque black forest.

African World Cup debutants Togo and Iran have also taken the scenic option with Togo based at Wangen im Allgau near Lake Constance and Iran at the southern coastal town of Friedrichshafen.

Two-time winners Argentina have made the small village of Herzogenaurach, the headquarters of sports manufacturing giant Adidas, their base after being impressed during the 2005 Confederations Cup.

The remaining 24 nations, such as five-time winners Brazil, 1966 victors England and 1998 champions France, are set to wait until after the World Cup draw, to be held in Leipzig on December 9, before deciding on their base.