U.S. Reveals Co-Hosts for 2031 World Cup Bid

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U.S. Reveals Co-Hosts for 2031 World Cup Bid

U.S. Soccer has announced its bid to co-host the 2031 Women’s World Cup alongside Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. This decision was confirmed during a press conference held at the Solow Building in Midtown Manhattan.

Historic Expansion for the 2031 Women’s World Cup

The 2031 tournament will be significant as it will be the first to feature 48 teams. This expansion was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council in May. U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone expressed pride in leading this initiative, highlighting the potential for inspiring future generations of female athletes and fans.

Key Facts Regarding the 2031 Women’s World Cup Bid

Co-hosting nations: U.S.A., Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica
Number of teams: 48 (first time)
FIFA Congress ratification: Expected on April 30, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia
Number of games: 104
Estimated attendance: 4.5 million fans across all four nations

The U.S. has previously hosted the Women’s World Cup twice, in 1999 and 2003. Interestingly, this will be its third edition as host, a record unmatched by any other country. Additionally, the 2026 Men’s World Cup will also feature a joint effort between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., further exemplifying the region’s commitment to international soccer.

Significance for Jamaica and the Region

This joint bid is historic for Jamaica, marking the first time a Caribbean nation will host a senior World Cup match. Jamaica’s women’s national team currently ranks No. 40 worldwide and reached the round of 16 in the 2023 World Cup.

The president of the Jamaica Football Federation, Michael Ricketts, noted the profound impact this hosting opportunity would have on Jamaicans and the national psyche. He emphasized the importance of creating a memorable experience for players and fans alike.

Future Considerations and Expectations

While over 30 cities in the U.S. have expressed interest in hosting games, final stadium decisions will likely not occur until 2027. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has set a revenue target of $1 billion for the next Women’s World Cup following the successful 2023 edition.

Despite the excitement surrounding the upcoming tournaments, there have been controversies, particularly regarding ticket prices for the 2026 Men’s World Cup, which have drawn criticism for being exorbitantly high.

The U.S. and Mexico initially aimed to co-host the 2027 Women’s World Cup but shifted their focus to the 2031 event, which promises to leave a lasting legacy for women’s soccer in the region.