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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- The nine groups bidding to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups made their pitch to CONCACAF member associations on Tuesday, presenting their case at the confederation's caucus before the World Cup.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter appeared before the caucus, which heard briefings from fellow member the United States, as well as delegations from Australia, England and Russia and the joint bids from Netherlands-Belgium and Spain-Portugal for both World Cups. Japan, Qatar, and the Korea Republic, which are seeking only the 2022 World Cup, also gave presentations.

"We are very pleased to have given our members the unique opportunity to hear from each bidding nation," CONCACAF President Jack Warner said. "They are now much better informed and even more encouraged by the progress of the United States bid."

CONCACAF's Executive Committee has pledged its support to the United States bid. The confederation has three voting members: Warner, General Secretary Chuck Blazer and Rafael Salguero of Guatemala, on the 24-man FIFA Executive Committee, which will choose the winners December 2.

Blatter also used his comments before the caucus to congratulate Warner on his appointment as Trinidad & Tobago's minister of Works and Transport. Warner was re-elected to his country's legislature on May 24 as a member of the United National Congress-led coalition that captured the lower house of Parliament.

"I was very satisfied to hear our membership express their confidence that my new political appointment will not impact my role as CONCACAF President or in world football," Warner said.