Family Life

06.11.10 | FL News Team

Morgan Freeman is lending his fame to a campaign to bring the World Cup back to the U.S in 2018 or 2022. The Oscar-winner formally accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee this week. In a statement, Freeman said, quote, "I have seen the power that sport, and in particular soccer, can have on individuals around the world and that is why I am so honored to represent and support the United States through the conclusion of this noble effort to bring the tournament back to our country."

 The "Invictus" star now joins a list of public figures pushing to bring soccer's biggest tournament back to America. Two-time Oscar-nominee Brad Pitt formally accepted his invitation to join the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee last week. Other notable board members include former President Bill Clinton, comedian Drew Carey, and soccer stars Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm.

 The U.S. is one of nine candidates to host the tournament in either 2018 or 2022. The Men's World Cup was last held in the U.S. in 1994. FIFA [[ FEE-fuh ]], the international soccer federation, will announce the hosts for both upcoming World Cups on December 2nd. The tournament is held every four years. This year's World Cup kicks off today in South Africa.