Brazil president to Blatter: Country will be ready

FIFA President Sepp Blatter addresses a news conference in San Jose, April 3, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

SAO PAULO - FIFA President Sepp Blatter says he has been "reassured" by Brazil's president that the country will be ready to host the World Cup.

Blatter said in a statement he had "another very positive phone conversation" with Dilma Rousseff on Thursday. She told him that "all will be in place to welcome the teams and the fans" at the World Cup in nine weeks.

Rousseff's press office said she was told by Blatter that he is "certain" the World Cup in Brazil will be "the most successful ever."

The statements come as Brazil struggles to finish all the work needed for the World Cup, with stadiums, airports and other infrastructure work significantly delayed.

They also come as the IOC said severe delays in Rio are threatening the 2016 Olympics.