US Cities Reconsider 2031 Women's World Cup Participation Amid FIFA Disputes
Several American cities named as potential hosts for the 2031 Women's World Cup are contemplating withdrawal, citing significant concerns over FIFA's handling of this summer's tournament. The joint hosting bid, which includes Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and the United States, remains the sole proposal under consideration by FIFA, but its approval has been postponed indefinitely.
Financial and Operational Grievances Drive Hesitation
Chicago and Pittsburgh have already declined to enter the running for hosting rights, primarily due to apprehensions about FIFA's stringent financial requirements. Sources indicate that other cities are evaluating whether to shift their focus exclusively to securing matches for the men's 2031 Rugby World Cup, which is perceived as offering greater commercial flexibility and profitability.
A source involved in discussions with FIFA and World Rugby revealed that the latter organization provides far more autonomy and imposes fewer demands on stadium access. Another representative from a city committed to the Rugby World Cup bid emphasized that rugby supporters' demographic profile suggests higher spending, potentially making that event more lucrative.
Bid Approval Delayed Amid Government Guarantee Issues
FIFA recently delayed the confirmation of the 2031 Women's World Cup hosts, originally scheduled for this month, to an unspecified date later this year. The postponement is attributed to plans for an extraordinary congress to determine hosts for both the 2031 and 2035 tournaments, mirroring the process used for the men's 2030 and 2034 events.
Reports from The Athletic suggest that the U.S. government has not yet provided FIFA with mandatory guarantees regarding visas, taxes, safety, and security, which are typically required before finalizing a bid. This bureaucratic holdup adds another layer of uncertainty to the already complex hosting process.
Stadium and Infrastructure Challenges Compound Concerns
The U.S. Soccer Federation has identified 40 stadiums on a longlist for potential 2031 venues, with 20 overlapping with World Rugby's list of 33 stadiums from 27 cities. However, experiences from this summer's men's World Cup have not been entirely positive, with FIFA insisting that host cities cover safety and security costs while retaining income from broadcasting, sponsorship, and ticket sales.
- A prolonged dispute over security funding at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was only resolved last month.
- Public transport issues persist at many venues, and several cities have scaled back or canceled official Fan Fests due to logistical and financial pressures.
Rugby World Cup Emerges as a Competitive Alternative
World Rugby has adopted a more collaborative approach, offering to finance its event and share profits or losses with USA Rugby, rather than requiring hosts to underwrite the tournament. To attract bids from NFL stadiums, World Rugby has reduced exclusive access windows, accommodating conflicts with the 2031-32 American football season.
JT Batson, CEO of U.S. Soccer, affirmed strong interest in hosting the 2031 Women's World Cup, but the growing allure of the Rugby World Cup poses a significant challenge. FIFA and World Rugby have both declined to comment beyond previous statements, leaving cities to weigh their options carefully as the bidding landscape evolves.
