NEW YORK (AP) — California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has joined the bid committee trying to bring either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup to the United States.

Schwarzenegger's support is considered a key element in U.S. Soccer's bids because several California venues traditionally are used for international games. The 1994 World Cup and 1999 Women's World Cup concluded at the Rose Bowl and the 2003 Women's World Cup final was at the Home Depot Center.

"Soccer is the world's most popular sport and California has been home to some of its most exciting games, and I am proud to be a part of bringing the World Cup back to the United States," Schwarzenegger said. "The millions of fans from around the globe that will travel to the United States to cheer their teams will prove a great benefit for our state, our nation and the world of soccer."

Six stadiums in California are among 58 venues in the United States under consideration to host to World Cup matches in 2018 or 2022: the Rose Bowl (Pasadena), Stanford Stadium, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego), Memorial Stadium (Berkeley) and Oakland-Alameda County Stadium. No other state has as many as six stadiums in the running.

"Governor Schwarzenegger is a passionate and committed leader in all the projects he takes on," said Sunil Gulati, the chairman of the U.S. bid committee and president of U.S. Soccer. "California is a soccer state in every sense of the word, with participation and avid support at all levels, from its vast youth system to the professional ranks.

"We look forward to working with Governor Schwarzenegger in our effort to bring the World Cup back to the United States in 2018 or 2022."

The United States is one of nine candidates that have declared their desire to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022. The others are Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and Russia, with joint bids from Netherlands-Belgium and Portugal-Spain. Qatar and South Korea have applied only as candidates to host the 2022 tournament.

Both tournaments will be awarded in December 2010.