The United States and Mexico have announced their intention to redirect their endeavours towards vying for the hosting of the 2031 Women’s World Cup rather than continuing with their joint candidature for the 2027 tournament.
The announcement was made by US Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation less than three weeks prior to the 17 May vote in Bangkok, Thailand, where the Fifa Congress will appoint the 2027 hosts.
Their decision leaves only two proposals in the running: Brazil’s joint bid from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, and the now-clear favourite. South America has never before hosted the Women’s World Cup, which was most recently contested in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
The choice of hosts will be decided by a vote of all 211 member associations of the global governing body at the Fifa Congress. Numerous sources predict that continental block voting in some capacity is a distinct possibility. In contrast, the 2023 host ballot was conducted by a considerably smaller voting body known as the Fifa Council. In that particular instance, every representative of the confederation cast their vote in concert with their respective geographical neighbours.
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South America has been the largest voting ally of European football in recent years, but the majority of Conmebol nations are likely to support Brazil’s proposal to host the competition for the first time on the continent. It is also believed that the Brazilian candidature is well received throughout a significant portion of Africa, the Concacaf nations, North and Central America, and the Caribbean.
Brazil, which hosted the 2014 men’s World Cup, has put forth the proposal to utilise the renowned Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro for the women’s final.
The United States and Mexico stated in a joint statement that by deferring their bid to 2031, “for the first time in history, the [2031] bid will require the same level of investment as the men’s tournament, thereby eliminating investment disparities and maximising the commercial potential of the women’s tournament in its entirety.”By implementing the revised bid, US Soccer will be able to capitalise on the insights and achievements of the 2026 [men’s] World Cup, enhance support for our host cities, broaden our collaborations and media agreements, and foster greater fan engagement—all in preparation for organising an unprecedented tournament in 2031.”
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In addition to Canada, the United States and Mexico will co-host the inaugural Men’s World Cup in 2026, featuring an expanded roster of 48 teams.
The president of Mexico’s football federation, Ivar Sisniega, further stated, “We believe that rescheduling our bid to 2031 will enable us to promote and prepare for the most prosperous Women’s World Cup in history.”We are confident that our professional women’s leagues, known for their robustness and inclusiveness, and our prior experience in managing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will enable us to assemble a World Cup that will foster a sense of familiarity and support for all competing teams, in addition to furnishing an outstanding infrastructure.
Furthermore, our devoted fan base will further the development of women’s football.
Spain is the current proprietors of the women’s trophy, having triumphed over England in the Sydney final last August.
