NEW YORK — Landon Donovan and Mia Hamm have joined the board of directors for the United States’ bid committee trying to win rights to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

Donovan, a star for the Los Angeles Galaxy, is the career scoring leader for the U.S. national team. Hamm retired from the U.S. in 2004 after winning the Women’s World Cup twice.
England and Spain are considered the leading contenders in the 2018 vote, with the U.S. a favorite for 2022.
Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia also are bidding for both tournaments, along with joint bids from Netherlands-Belgium and Portugal-Spain. Qatar and South Korea are bidding for 2022 only.
FIFA’s executive committee is to vote in December 2010.