Kissinger to promote US World Cup bid

NEW YORK: Former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger, architect of president Richard Nixon's detente with China, faced a new diplomatic challenge on Monday - helping craft a US bid to host the soccer World Cup.

"I obviously want the World Cup to come here," the Nobel Peace Prize-winner and soccer fan told reporters at a briefing to announce his involvement with the US soccer federation's bid for the 2018 or 2022 tournament.

"I don't think we have a huge chance in 2018, it will probably go to Europe, but you can't tell. We have a good chance for 2022," added Kissinger.