Kazakhstan are examining a bid to host the 2026 World Cup, the country's football chief Yerlan Kozhagapanov was quoted as saying in Russia's Sport Express daily Tuesday.

"We're currently consulting with the government and analysing our possibilities," Kozhagapanov, who is also the deputy mayor of Kazakhstan's capital Astana, said.

"Our country is rapidly developing, our economy is on the rise. Why not?

"We want to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. After that we're planning to join the race for the right to host the 2026 World Cup."

The Kazakhstan football chief added that the country's president Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is also honorary president of the football federation, was in favour of a potential bid.

"It's a matter of great importance for us," Kozhagapanov said.

"And we're set to do our best to make football the most successful sport in our country."