FIFA's leaders have flagged up a possible American bid for the 2026 World Cup after the "staggering'' impact of the tournament in the United States.

The U.S. team departed from the World Cup on Tuesday after a thrilling extra-time defeat by Belgium in the first knock-out round, having won universal admiration for their approach.

The level of support in America has been remarkable, breaking all records, with U.S. President Barack Obama and Hollywood star Tom Hanks among those watching the Belgium match and tweeting their support.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke told Brazil newspaper Globo: "What we see in the United States is staggering. The audience is unprecedented, more than the NBA.

"The country has the largest level of youth soccer in the world, 20 million young people playing. There is a commitment from FIFA to work with U.S. Soccer and I think after 2022, they have an interest in hosting the 2026 World Cup.''

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been equally impressed by the American reaction.