Potential US Host Cities For 2031 Women’s World Cup Consider Withdrawal Over Fifa Backlash
A number of American cities that are in the running to host games for the 2031 Women’s World Cup are now considering withdrawing their bids over concerns regarding Fifa’s recent handling of this summer’s World Cup.
Reports indicate that several cities are now primarily focusing on whether or not they want to host matches at the men’s 2031 Rugby World Cup exclusively while the US is already set to stage the women’s rugby tournament two years after.
There are currently 40 stadiums on the US Soccer Federation’s longlist for potential 2031 venues. World Rugby has expressions of interest from 27 cities that include 33 stadiums.
Notably, Chicago and Pittsburgh both declined to enter the running for the Women’s World Cup hosting rights due to concerns over Fifa’s financial demands, with other cities debating pulling out for the same reason.
The Guardian reported that a source working with one of the cities said that World Rugby was offering far greater commercial freedom and fewer demands regarding access to stadiums compared to Fifa and their requests.
Fifa also announced last month that they pulled back confirmation of the 2031 World Cup hosts from the end of this month to another undisclosed date this year.
Other reports show that the US government has yet to provide Fifa with mandatory guarantees for 2031 regarding obligations on visas, tax, safety, and security. Those obligations are typically met before the bidding process is complete.
Last year, US Soccer highlighted 14 US stadiums as preferred venues on a 20-strong shortlist for the 48-team tournament with another 26 stadiums endorsed as potential venues. Seven of the 40 stadiums are hosting matches at this summer’s men’s World Cup.
Fifa has insisted that the host cities take on the cost of safety and security while they get to keep the income from broadcasting, sponsorship, and ticket sales. This “agreement” has led to a lot of tension.
Public transportation to many of the venues within several cities have also been facing conflict in terms of funding and convenience.
World Rugby announced their stadium shortlist before a New Zealand vs Ireland match in Chicago last November. The list itself will be reduced to be between 10 and 15 stadiums.
World Rugby has said that they will finance the event and share profits or losses with US Rugby, as opposed to requiring the hosts to underwrite the tournament.
The US Soccer chief executive, JT Batson, told the Guardian that “the federation had incredible demand to host in 2031.”
Fifa released a statement regarding the bidding processes last month:
“Fifa will convene an extraordinary congress before the end of 2026. This extraordinary congress will be a standalone event dedicated to the presentation of the bids, which will highlight the growing power and influence of women’s football and Fifa’s flagship women’s tournament.”
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.