A letter has been sent to the American President which urges him to back the effort to stage the tournament.

"Millions of Americans play or watch soccer at youth, collegiate, recreational and professional levels today," the letter says.

"The sport spans generations, cultures, and languages - connecting fans and athletes with others across the globe who have a common love for the game.

"Comprising a melting pot of identities, cultures, and races, Americans proudly unite behind their team in the World Cup competition, and enjoy ties to the multiplicity of nationalities that come together for this tournament every four years.

"The 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a total of 48 participating national teams and 80 matches, will be the largest in the history of the competition.

"As one of the three host nations, the United States would have the opportunity to deepen the relationship between our citizens and the extended global soccer community, and to further foster the spirit of sportsmanship and inclusivity that defines the sport.

"It would build on a successful legacy for our three nations, which together have hosted 13 FIFA-sponsored tournaments.

"Dozens of US cities that we represent have conveyed their interest in being part of the united bid effort that will showcase America, promote tourism and stimulate economic growth."

The request for Trump's support comes shortly after the bid team appeared to distance themselves from the US President.

It came after Trump caused controversy after allegedly referring to African nations as "shithole countries".

This prompted criticism from several nations, including Haiti and El Salvador in the Americas region.

Victor Montagliani, head of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), pledged his support to countries such as Haiti and El Salvador last month in a tweet.

A total of 32 cities have been shortlisted as potential hosts for the US, Canada and Mexico bid.

The US hosted the 1994 World Cup, which had the highest average attendance in the tournament's history.

Mexico became the first nation to host the FIFA World Cup twice in 1986, having also done so in 1970.

Canada are yet to hold the World Cup and have only made one appearance to date, making a group stage exit after three straight defeats at Mexico 1986.

The host nation is set to be decided at next year's FIFA Congress on June 13 in Moscow, held prior to the opening match of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Morocco are the only other contender for the 2026 tournament, having announced their candidacy in June.

The African nation, who have never hosted the competition, received an unlikely endorsement for their bid today.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who is currently serving a six-year ban from the sport, tweeted his backing for their effort.

"World Cup 2026: Co-Hosting rejected by FIFA after 2002 (also applied in 2010 and 2018)," Blatter wrote.

"And now: Morocco would be the logical host!

"And it is time for Africa again!"

It is not the first bid for a sporting event to receive support from Blatter, with the former International Olympic Committee member having tweeted his backing to Sion's bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics earlier this month.