Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt has thrown his weight behind the USA's World Cup bid for either the 2018 or 2022 tournaments.

The Academy Award-winning actor has accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors for the USA Bid Committee and believes hosting the world's biggest sporting event is important for United States.

"Soccer is a truly global sport and the opportunity to join the effort to have the U.S. host the world's greatest sporting event again is a great honor," said Pitt. "FIFA has set a world standard for using sport as a tool for positive social change and I'm proud to be associated with a United States World Cup Bid that has so ardently adhered to the principles established by FIFA."

US Soccer president Sunil Gulati welcomed Pitt's support, saying: "Brad's exposure to global culture throughout his career, along with his connection to soccer through his family has given him a unique understanding of the unifying aspect of the game.

"His consistent philanthropic efforts exemplify the bid's desire to utilize soccer as a tool of positive change. We welcome Brad to our board of directors."

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