The United States on Friday said it would consider candidates from around the world to be the next U.N. secretary-general, a move that could irritate Latin American countries who believe it is their turn to provide a leader for the world body.

The 10th U.N. secretary-general will be elected next year for a five-year term starting on January 1, 2027. The job traditionally rotates among regions and next on the list is Latin America and the Caribbean.

“We believe the process for selection of such an important position should be purely merit-based with as wide a pool of candidates as possible,” said Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea. “With this in mind, the United States invites candidates from all regional groupings.”

The race will formally start when the 15-member Security C

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