But, Valcke (pictured top, centre) told the Soccerex convention in Rio de Janeiro, wider infrastructure work was still lagging behind, with too much crime and a worrying lack of hotel accommodation and transport facilities is some cities.

"No stadium is behind schedule," said Valcke, who visited the Maracanã in Rio, which is due to host the opening match and final of Brazil 2014. 

"All the projects are proceeding well and we have reached cruise speed.

"Things are working better.

"More is being accomplished.

"Things are speeding up."

But he added: "We are seeing a big wave of crime in São Paulo, which is not good for its image or tourism.

"And in one city there are 17,000 hotel bedrooms and a 45,000 capacity stadium."


Brazil is spending $15 billion (£9.4 billion/€11.6 billion) on infrastructure for the World Cup in the hope the tournament boosts the economy by $90 billion (£56 billion/€69 billion).

Meanwhile, FIFA is set to make a final decision on whether all six venues will be able to stage the Confederations Cup at a press conference in São Paulo on Thursday (November 29).

Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador have been selected as the host cities for the World Cup dress rehearsal that begins on June 15 next year.

However, there remain serious doubts whether all six will make the final cut.

"This is a crucial moment for us organisers because once the ticket sales start it would be very problematic if a venue runs into challenges to be ready to host matches," said Valcke.

"Venues for the major FIFA tournaments need to be ready six months ahead of the first game."

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