New Zealand have been placed as the standby to host next year's women's World Cup. And with an already strong bid for the 2015 under-20 men's tournament, New Zealand could host two Fifa events over the next five years.

The Sunday Star-Times understands Vietnam's winning bid for the 2012 women's tournament imploded late last year.

And although Fifa are yet to declare the collapse, NZF chief executive Michael Glading confirmed football's world body contacted him six weeks ago, flagging the tournament's availability with a "can you help?" inquiry.