The United States Soccer Federation (USSF), in conjunction with the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), has formally declared its intention to bid for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This announcement follows a FIFA decision that effectively narrowed the field of potential hosts to two regions: CONCACAF and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This move re-affirms the USSF’s commitment to hosting the prestigious tournament after withdrawing its joint bid with Mexico for the 2027 edition, which was ultimately awarded to Brazil. The USSF’s renewed focus on the 2031 tournament underscores its ambition to further elevate women’s soccer both domestically and internationally, leveraging the region’s growing passion for the sport and its proven track record in hosting major sporting events.
The USSF’s decision to pursue the 2031 bid highlights the strategic importance of hosting the Women’s World Cup for North America. A successful bid would not only bring the world’s premier women’s soccer tournament back to the region but also solidify North America’s position as a global hub for the sport. The USSF, in partnership with CONCACAF, envisions the 2031 tournament as a catalyst for continued growth and development of women’s soccer across the region, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. Furthermore, hosting the tournament would provide significant economic benefits, boosting tourism and generating revenue for local businesses.
The potential for a North American-hosted 2031 Women’s World Cup presents an enticing prospect for FIFA. The region boasts a strong history of hosting successful and highly attended FIFA events, including three previous Women’s World Cups (USA in 1999 and 2003, Canada in 2015), as well as upcoming events such as the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The established infrastructure, passionate fan base, and robust commercial opportunities make North America a financially attractive option for FIFA. The prospect of record-breaking attendance and substantial revenue generation adds further weight to the CONCACAF bid.
While North America holds a compelling case, the CONCACAF bid faces competition from Africa, specifically South Africa and Morocco, who have both expressed interest in hosting the 2031 tournament. FIFA has shown a growing inclination to expand the global reach of its marquee events, and awarding the Women’s World Cup to Africa would represent a significant milestone for the development of the sport on the continent. This presents a challenging dynamic for FIFA, balancing the commercial advantages of a North American bid with the strategic objective of broadening the geographical footprint of the Women’s World Cup.
The USSF’s bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup comes at a time of significant momentum for women’s soccer in North America. The region has witnessed a surge in popularity and participation in recent years, fueled by the success of the US Women’s National Team and the growing professionalization of women’s leagues. Hosting the World Cup would capitalize on this momentum, providing a platform to further elevate the sport and inspire a new generation of players and fans. Furthermore, the tournament would serve as a powerful demonstration of the region’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment through sport.
The decision on the 2031 Women’s World Cup host will be made at the 76th FIFA Congress, scheduled to take place prior to the 2026 Men’s World Cup. The USSF and CONCACAF will be working diligently to present a compelling bid that highlights the region’s strengths and its vision for a truly memorable and impactful tournament. The competition between the CONCACAF and CAF bids promises to be intense, with both regions offering unique advantages and opportunities for the future of women’s soccer. The ultimate decision will shape the landscape of the sport for years to come, and the world will be watching closely as the bidding process unfolds.
