U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati announced this afternoon that the U.S. Soccer Federation has officially submitted a declaration of interest to host either the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. He also said the Executive Director of the Bid Committee will be David Downs who’d been President of Univision Sports since 2001.

“I’m pleased to announce we have submitted our interest to FIFA to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cups,” said Gulati. “The World Cup is the greatest sporting event in the world, and to have the opportunity to host it once again is an honor, but also an incredible challenge. We are confident we can put together a successful bid to host another impressive event, and invite fans from around the world to enjoy the world’s game in our country.”

The entire bid process will take 16 months, with FIFA setting May 2010 as the deadline for final paperwork. Their 24-man Executive Committee will then review each bid, sort the graft (OK, I’m kidding…sort of) and pick the hosts for BOTH World Cups by Dec. 2010. Gulati will serve as the Chair of the Bid Committee, with U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn, MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Phil Murphy _ the former National Finance Chair of the Democratic National Committee _ as the other initial members. Other members will be announced soon.

“It is a privilege to be named Executive Director and have the opportunity to be part of the country’s bid to bring the World Cup back to the United States,” said Downs. “I believe the sport will continue its incredible growth in this country and I know that the U.S. can host yet another first class World Cup tournament. It’s a formidable challenge, but I’m looking forward to dedicating the next two years to the pursuit of that goal.”

The U.S. is considered a solid contender for 2018, but that bid will face stiff competition from England, Spain/Portugal, Russia, Australia and rival Mexico.