Simon Samano

USA TODAY Sports

The heated rivalry between the United States and Mexico men’s national soccer teams is infamous. But that doesn’t mean the two countries hosting a World Cup together couldn’t be a beautiful thing.

ESPN.com reported Friday that officials from both sides indicated discussions have taken place for just a scenario – a joint bid for the 2026 World Cup. The initial talks have taken place this week at the FIFA Congress taking place in Mexico City.

"We have spoken to our Mexican counterparts and are very open to the idea of a joint bid,” said John Motta, a board member of the United States Soccer Federation. "It could be a positive move for the game in both countries, and it's also a very exciting proposition for FIFA. We will now go away and formulate a timetable for further discussions.

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"But whatever happens, we will bid for the 2026 World Cup -- either jointly or we will go it alone."

Mexican Football Federation president Decio de Maria told ESPN.com that he raised the possibility of a joint bid in a private meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has expressed his support of the idea.

The last time two countries hosted the World Cup was in 2002, when Japan and South Korea both hosted the event. Since then, FIFA has not entertained joint bids.

A final decision on who will host the 2026 World Cup won’t be made until 2020.