Short answers, pulled from the story.
FIFA began the official bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in March 2009. Eleven bids from thirteen countries were received before the executive committee voted in November 2010.
Russia won the 2018 tournament while Qatar secured 2022. Russia became the first Eastern European host while Qatar became the first Middle Eastern host.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter announced winning bids at headquarters in Zürich on the 2nd of December 2010. Twelve votes were needed for a majority in each round.
The selection rules changed significantly after October 2007 when FIFA ended its continental rotation policy. This new system made Africa ineligible for 2018 and South America ineligible for both tournaments.
Venues selected on the 16th of December 2009 included London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Nottingham, Plymouth, Sheffield, and Sunderland. The British government backed the effort with these twelve locations.