US Cities Reconsider 2031 Women's World Cup Hosting Amid FIFA Tensions
Several American cities are contemplating withdrawing from the bid to host matches for the 2031 Women's World Cup, citing significant concerns over FIFA's handling and financial requirements. This development comes as the joint hosting proposal from the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica remains the sole option under consideration by FIFA, though its approval has been postponed.
Shift in Focus Towards Rugby World Cup
According to sources, multiple cities are exploring the possibility of redirecting their efforts towards securing hosting rights for the men's 2031 Rugby World Cup. The United States is also set to stage the women's rugby tournament in 2033, adding to the appeal of rugby events. A source involved in discussions with FIFA and World Rugby noted that World Rugby offers greater commercial freedom and fewer stadium access demands compared to FIFA.
Another source from a city committed to bidding for the Rugby World Cup highlighted that rugby events are perceived as more profitable, due to the demographic profile of rugby supporters who are expected to spend more during matches. This financial incentive is driving cities to weigh their options carefully.
FIFA's Delayed Approval and Government Guarantees
FIFA recently delayed the confirmation of the 2031 Women's World Cup hosts from the end of this month to an unspecified date later this year. The organization plans to hold an extraordinary congress to determine hosts for both the 2031 and 2035 tournaments, mirroring the process used for the men's events in 2030 and 2034.
Reports indicate that the delay is partly due to the US government not yet providing FIFA with mandatory guarantees regarding visas, taxes, safety, and security. These guarantees are typically required before the bidding process concludes, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Stadium Concerns and Financial Disputes
The US Soccer Federation has identified 40 stadiums on a longlist for potential 2031 venues, with 20 of these also on World Rugby's list of 33 stadiums from 27 cities. However, cities like Chicago and Pittsburgh have already declined to enter the running for the Women's World Cup, primarily over concerns about FIFA's financial demands.
Issues have arisen from FIFA's insistence that host cities cover safety and security costs around stadiums, while FIFA retains income from broadcasting, sponsorship, and ticket sales. This has led to tensions, such as a recent standoff over security funding at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which was only resolved last month.
Additional problems include public transport challenges at many venues and reductions in official Fan Fest operations, which were intended to run throughout the 39-day tournament. These factors are contributing to the growing reluctance among US cities to commit to the Women's World Cup bid.
World Rugby's Competitive Edge
World Rugby has taken steps to attract bids from NFL stadiums by reducing exclusive access windows, as the tournament will coincide with the 2031-32 American football season. Unlike FIFA, World Rugby has committed to financing its event and sharing profits or losses with USA Rugby, rather than requiring hosts to underwrite the tournament.
This approach, combined with a successful sellout event at Soldier Field in Chicago last November, is making the Rugby World Cup a more attractive option for many cities. As the tender process narrows down World Rugby's stadium list to 10-15 venues, cities may be forced to choose between the two World Cup bids.
JT Batson, CEO of US Soccer, stated that there is "incredible demand" to host the 2031 Women's World Cup, but the ongoing concerns and competitive pressure from rugby events are creating a challenging landscape for the bid's success.
