LYON, FRANCE – JULY 07: Alex Morgan of the USA lifts the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy following her team’s victory in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Final match between The United State of America and The Netherlands at Stade de Lyon on July 07, 2019 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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The first 48-team FIFA Women’s World Cup will also be the first to be hosted by four countries after a joint-bid was announced to stage the 2031 tournament was announced.
Speaking to the UEFA Congress in April, FIFA President Gianni Infantino declared that the United States was the only valid bid to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup with the United Kingdom set to stage the following tournament in 2035.
That tournament – split between England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – would have been the first-ever Women’s World Cup hosted by four member associations, albeit four within one nation, with one currency and no border controls.
Last night, U.S. Soccer announced that they will co-host games at the tournament, which is likely to involve 104 matches, with Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica. Under the tagline “For Now, For Next”, the joint bid is part of a broader collaboration across Concacaf.
The United States has previously staged the 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The 1999 final was played at the Pasadena Rose Bowl and won by the hosts in front of a world record attendance for an official women’s international of 90,185 spectators.
PASADENA, CA – JULY 10: A general view of the Rose Bowl before the FIFA World Cup Final game between China PR and USWNT at Rose Bowl on July 10, 1999 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
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Next year, the United States and Mexico will be two of the three hosts of the men’s World Cup. Mexico has previously staged two men’s World Cups on their own in 1970 and 1986. Neither Costa Rica or Jamaica has ever staged a senior FIFA tournament previously.
The federations also announced a joint commitment to collaborate with FIFA to ensure that the legacy of this tournament supports girls’ player development, coaching education, and infrastructure growth across Member Associations.
U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said “together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to host the biggest and most impactful Women’s World Cup in history, one that will inspire a new generation of fans and help grow the women’s game across our entire region and around the world. We’re excited to drive lasting progress for women’s soccer by creating a legacy that reaches far beyond 2031 and sets a new global standard for the sport.”
Despite a historically strong domestic league, Mexico failed to quality for the last two Women’s World Cups. President of the Mexican Football Federation Mikel Arriola said that “The 2031 Women’s World Cup will be a historic opportunity to solidify the progress of our sport across the region and to inspire a new generation of players and fans in Mexico.”
Costa Rica qualified for the senior Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2023 but are yet to win a game at the finals. They have experience of hosting the U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2022. “Joining the United States, Mexico, and Jamaica in this bid represents one of the most positive developments for the growth of football in our country,” said Osael Maroto Martínez, President of the Costa Rican Football Federation. “We firmly believe that we have all the necessary elements to provide the best experience, infrastructure, and human talent in preparation for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 02: Khadija Shaw of Jamaica celebrates advancing to the knockout stage after the scoreless draw in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
FIFA via Getty Images
Jamaica has also qualified for two Women’s World Cups and created headlines by emerging from the group phase in 2023 ahead of South American giants Brazil. Michael Ricketts, President of the Jamaica Football Federation said “this will have a huge impact on the psyche of every single Jamaican. It is no ordinary feat for a small country like ours to host World Cup matches.”
“This is absolutely tremendous. We are very hopeful and optimistic that we can put together an experience that is truly memorable for our players and fans. This is huge for Jamaica and for every person who proudly calls themselves Jamaican.”
Although not officially ratified, there are no alternate bidders to stage the 2031 tournament which will be broadcast in the United States on Netflix. The official bid book and related documentation will be submitted to FIFA in November 2025. The global governing body is expected to officially announce its decision at next year’s FIFA Congress on April 30 in Vancouver.
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