THE United States remains firm with plans to bid for the 2018 men's World Cup.

However, FIFA President Joseph Blatter, attending the women's World Cup, suggested China could also bid for 2018.

"What I have seen in the stadiums available now from the women's World Cup and what I know to be available for the Olympic Games next year, there is no doubt that from the technical view China is able to bid - and even organize - the World Cup," Blatter said.

The FIFA boss has been traveling with Chinese Football Federation Vice President Xie Yalong, who said China is considering a bid.

"The CFA has been keeping a positive attitude for hosting the men's World Cup," Xie told the Xinhua news agency. "We're now trying to study some details with FIFA with regard to the bidding process.

"We are considering holding a major men's competition at a higher level after the women's World Cup. And we've held talks with officials from different cities on the bidding issue, seeking cooperation from them."

Sunil Gulati, president of the US Soccer Federation, said on Saturday the US would stay as a candidate even if FIFA elects by the end of the year to do away with its so-called rotation system.

Under the rotation system, the North American, Central American and Caribbean region would be the venue choice following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The 2014 Cup is widely expected to be awarded to Brazil later this year.

The United States hosted a highly successful men's World Cup in 1994, and women's World Cups in 1999 and 2003 and has more large, modern stadiums - many on university campuses - than any country in the world.

FIFA, meanwhile, is being criticized for holding the women's World Cup at the wrong time when it competes head-to-head with all of Europe's top men's leagues, and a full calendar of US sports events. It's also going head-to-head with rugby's World Cup.

Blatter blamed the crowded international calendar for not being able to hold the event in the summer, but he suggested it might be moved there for the 2011 World Cup.

"We will have a look definitely when the 2011 (venue) is decided," Blatter said. "Depending on where it goes, but we must also adopt it to the international calendar."

Germany and Canada are considered the leading bidders, and Australia and Peru also candidates.

FIFA is also under scrutiny for reportedly spending only about 10 percent on its funds on the women's game.

"I will propose to the executive committee to (make) it 20 percent," Blatter said, blaming national federations for not doing enough. "What we are missing is the initiative of some of the national associations. I know that football is, first of all, a macho organization. This is not correct because football is for everybody."