Follow Sportsmail s live blog for all the latest news and updates as England kick-off their World Cup campaign, with Wales also in action this evening against USA.
The FIFA president - who is set to be re-elected for a third term - revealed that any nation is eligible to host an event, adding that his organisation wants to help unite the world.
Van Gaal also repeated his assertion that Qatar should not be hosting the World Cup, but said it was because it was too small for the 32-team tournament.