New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg joins US bid group for World Cup soccer in 2018 or 2022

Bloomberg joins US World Cup soccer bid group

NEW YORK — New York City Michael Bloomberg is the latest member of the bid group trying to bring the World Cup to the United States in 2018 or 2022.

Bloomberg recorded a 1-minute message in support of the bid that was placed on YouTube Thursday.

New York hopes to host matches at the new stadium being built for the Giants and Jets in East Rutherford, N.J., which opens next year. The current Giants Stadium was used for the 1994 World Cup, including a semifinal.

England and Spain are considered leading contenders for 2018, while the U.S. is viewed as a top candidate for 2022. FIFA’s executive committee will vote in December 2010.

Australia, England, Japan, Netherlands-Belgium, Russia and Spain-Portugal have filed to host both World Cups. Indonesia, Qatar and South Korea bid for 2022 only.

Other U.S. board members include former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, University of Miami president Donna Shalala, men’s national team star Landon Donovan, former women’s team star Mia Hamm, comedian Drew Carey, Washington Post chief executive officer Katharine Weymouth and New England Patriots and Revolution owner Robert Kraft.