The IAAF says it has received bids from Berlin, Brussels, Valencia and Split to host the event. Initial interest expressed by Brisbane, Casablanca, Daegu and New Delhi were all withdrawn, although all have pledged to bid for future events.
The IAAF council will make a final decision from the all-European shortlist when it meets in Helsinki on December 4-5.
The 2007 World Championships is scheduled to take place in the Japanese city of Osaka.
Meanwhile, the deadline has also passed for receipt of letters of intent from federations interested in hosting the 2006 edition of the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.
Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and Stuttgart have all put their name forward to host the event.
The decision on this venue will be taken at the IAAF council meeting scheduled for spring of 2005.
New Delhi hosts the 2004 event, with Edmonton staged the 2005 race.
Europe will host the 2009 IAAF World Championships after the final bids to stage the athletics showcase were received by the sport’s governing body.
