Several US cities named as potential hosts for the 2031 Women’s World Cup are considering withdrawing, amid concerns over Fifa’s financial demands and handling of this summer’s men’s World Cup. The Guardian has learned that some cities are weighing whether to focus solely on bidding for the men’s 2031 Rugby World Cup, which is also being staged in the US.
There are 40 stadiums on US Soccer’s longlist for the Women’s World Cup, while World Rugby has expressions of interest from 27 cities featuring 33 stadiums, with 20 venues appearing on both lists. Chicago and Pittsburgh have already declined to bid for the Women’s World Cup, reportedly due to Fifa’s financial requirements. A source working with one city that has held talks with both organisations said World Rugby offers far greater commercial freedom and fewer demands regarding stadium access.
Another source at a city committed to the Rugby World Cup said that event is likely to be more profitable, citing the demographic profile of rugby supporters and expectations of higher spending. Fifa last month delayed confirmation of the 2031 hosts from the end of this month to an unspecified date this year, although the joint US, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica bid is the only one on the table.
The Athletic reported that the US government has yet to provide Fifa with mandatory guarantees on visas, tax, safety and security. Seven of the 40 stadiums on the Women’s World Cup longlist are hosting matches at this summer’s men’s World Cup, and their experience with Fifa has been mixed. Fifa has required host cities to bear safety and security costs while retaining income from broadcasting, sponsorship and ticket sales, leading to tensions. A standoff over security costs at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was resolved only last month.
World Rugby has made clear it will finance its event and share profits or losses with USA Rugby, rather than requiring hosts to underwrite the tournament. It has also reduced exclusive access windows to attract NFL stadiums, as the tournament will clash with the 2031-32 American football season. US Soccer chief executive JT Batson told the Guardian that the federation has “incredible demand to host in 2031”. Fifa declined to comment beyond a statement that an extraordinary congress will be held before the end of 2026 to determine the hosts.
