Chicago, IL (My Sportsbook) - U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati announced on Monday that the U.S. Soccer Federation has officially submitted a declaration of interest to host either the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

"I'm pleased to announce we have submitted our interest to FIFA to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cups," Gulati said. "The World Cup is the greatest sporting event in the world, and to have the opportunity to host it once again is an honor, but also an incredible challenge. We are confident we can put together a successful bid to host another impressive event, and invite fans from around the world to enjoy the worlds game in our country."

The entire bid process will span 16-months, with FIFA setting May 2010 as the deadline for countries to submit their final paperwork. FIFA's 24-man Executive Committee will then review each bid and name the two hosts for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups in December 2010.

U.S. Soccer also tabbed David Downs to be the Executive Director of the USA Bid Committee. Downs, who will start immediately, previously served as President of Univision Sports from 2001-2009.

"It is a privilege to be named Executive Director and have the opportunity to be part of the country's bid to bring the World Cup back to the United States," Downs said. "I believe the sport will continue its incredible growth in this country and I know that the U.S. can host yet another first class World Cup tournament. It's a formidable challenge, but I'm looking forward to dedicating the next two years to the pursuit of that goal."

Gulati will serve as the Chair of the Bid Committee, with U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn, Major league Soccer Commissioner Don Garber and Phil Murphy, the former National Finance Chair of the Democratic National Committee, as the other initial members of the Committee.