SHANGHAI, China -- The United States remains firm with plans to bid for the 2018 men's World Cup.
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U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati said Saturday the U.S. would stay as a candidate even if FIFA elects by the end of the year to do away with its so-called rotation system.
Under the rotation system, the North American, Central American and Caribbean region would be the designated region following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 Cup in South America, which is widely expected to be awarded to Brazil later this year.
The United States hosted a highly successful men's World Cup in 1994, and women's World Cups in 1999 and 2003 and has more large, modern stadiums -- many on university campuses -- than any other country in the world.
"I think we will be an attractive host," Gulati said. "I think FIFA set out with a mission in American soccer ... I don't think FIFA's work on the United States is done. We think we'd be a terrific host again."
However, FIFA president Joseph Blatter, attending the women's World Cup, suggested China could also bid for 2018.
"What I have seen in the stadiums available now from the Women's World Cup and what I know to be available for the Olympic Games next year, there is no doubt that from the technical view China is able to bid -- and even organize -- the World Cup."
Blatter has been traveling with Chinese Football Federation vice president, Xie Yalong, who said China is considering a bid.
"The CFA has been keeping a positive attitude for hosting the men's World Cup," Xie was reported saying by the official Xinhua news agency. "We're now trying to study some details with FIFA with regard to the bidding process."
"We are considering holding a major men's competition at a higher level after the Women's World Cup. And we've held talks with officials from different cities on the bidding issue, seeking cooperation from them."
Wrong time
FIFA is being criticized for holding the Women's World Cup at the wrong time -- when it competes head-to-head with all of Europe's top men's leagues, and a full calendar of U.S. sports events. It's also going head-to-head with rugby's World Cup.Blatter blamed the crowded international calendar for not being able to hold the event in the summer, but he suggested it might be moved there for the 2011 World Cup.
"We will have a look definitely when the 2011 (venue) is decided," Blatter said. "Depending on where it goes, but we must also adopt it to the international calendar."
