The U.S. Soccer Federation and its Mexican counterpart have decided to withdraw their joint bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup in favor of a 2031 tournament. This decision comes after proposals from Brazil and a joint Germany-Netherlands-Belgium plan were submitted for the 2027 bid by FIFA, which will meet on May 17 in Bangkok.
The USSF has stated that the 2031 bid will call for FIFA to invest equally in both the men’s and women’s World Cups, following FIFA’s announcement to spend $896 million on prize money for the 2026 men’s and women’s World Cup in North America. In comparison, only $110 million was devoted to the prize money for the Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand last year.
USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone emphasized that hosting a World Cup tournament is a massive undertaking and that having more time to prepare will help maximize its impact across the globe. She reiterated her commitment to providing equitable experiences for players, fans, and stakeholders and hopes that shifting the bid to 2031 will result in a record-breaking Women’s World Cup that will help grow and elevate the level of women’s football worldwide.
In December, the USSF proposed U.S sites for the 2031 bid, choosing from the same 11 that will host the 2026 men’s World Cup. Mexico also listed its three sites for the men’s tournament – Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey – as well as Leon and Querétaro as additional possibilities for the Women’s World Cup in 2031. The Mexican Football Federation (MFF) President Ivar Sisnieg expressed confidence that moving back to 2031 would contribute to making it “the most successful Women’s World Cup ever.” He highlighted professional women’s leagues as well as experience gained from organizing previous tournaments as key factors in creating a successful event that will continue growing women’s football globally.
