U.S. Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation have withdrawn their joint bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, instead opting to focus on hosting the tournament in 2031. This decision means that a European bid from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands or Brazil is now the only remaining contender for the event. The winning country will be announced at an upcoming FIFA Congress meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on May 17th.
U.S. Soccer’s statement explained that this move would allow both countries to build upon their experiences from hosting the 2026 World Cup and create more opportunities for host cities, partners, and media. U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone commented on how extended preparation time will help grow and raise the level of women’s soccer around the world: “Shifting our bid will enable us to host a record-breaking Women’s World Cup in 2031 that will contribute significantly both domestically, as well globally.”
Ivar Sisniega, President of Mexico’s Football Federation (FMF), also expressed confidence regarding their new timeline. “After careful analysis,” he said, “we feel moving our bid back to [the] 2031 World Cup will allow us the best infrastructure as well an enthusiastic fan base that we believe is critical in providing a Women’s World Cup which all participating teams can call home.”
This decision also gives U.S and Mexico more time to promote their tournament, with the men’s FIFA World Cup set to be held about one year beforehand due to taking place concurrently in three nations – namely Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Laken Litman of FOX Sports reported on this story for her followers via Twitter (@LakenLitman).
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