A Regional Collaboration for Global Impact
In a landmark announcement, U.S. Soccer confirmed that the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup bid will be a joint effort with Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica — marking the first time a Caribbean nation will host a senior World Cup match. The news was unveiled at a press conference in New York, where U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone described the initiative as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the women’s game across the entire Concacaf region.”
The bid is uncontested, and FIFA is expected to formally ratify it at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30, 2026.
Expansion to 48 Teams and 104 Matches
The 2031 Women’s World Cup will be the first edition featuring 48 teams, following FIFA’s decision earlier this year to expand the tournament from 32 teams. This expansion mirrors the format of the 2026 Men’s World Cup, which will also include 48 teams co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
With 104 matches planned across four host nations, the 2031 tournament aims to attract over 4.5 million fans — making it the largest and most ambitious Women’s World Cup ever staged.
Host Nations and Legacy Vision
For the United States, this will mark a third time hosting the Women’s World Cup (following 1999 and 2003), further cementing its status as a cornerstone of the women’s game globally.
For Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, the opportunity signifies both economic and cultural transformation — especially for Jamaica, which becomes the first Caribbean nation to host senior World Cup matches.
Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts called the development “tremendous,” emphasizing its importance for national pride and regional identity:
“It is no ordinary feat for a small country like ours to host World Cup matches. We are optimistic that we can deliver an experience truly memorable for our players and fans.”
Stadiums, Revenue, and Commercial Ambition
U.S. Soccer revealed that more than 30 American cities have expressed interest in hosting matches, with final venue decisions expected around 2027.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously set a target of $1 billion in revenue for future Women’s World Cups, following the 2023 edition’s record-breaking performance, which generated $570 million and broke even for the first time in the tournament’s history.
While the 2026 Men’s World Cup drew criticism for high ticket prices, FIFA aims to balance commercial value with accessibility for the women’s event — leveraging the U.S. market’s strong infrastructure and global broadcast potential while maintaining an inclusive fan experience.
Strategic Evolution of Women’s Football
The four-nation bid represents more than logistical collaboration — it is a strategic blueprint for regional integration, leveraging the infrastructure and commercial expertise of the U.S. with the cultural energy of its neighbors.
By uniting North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, the 2031 tournament embodies FIFA’s broader mission to globalize women’s football and ensure that its growth is both competitive and sustainable.
365247 Insight
The 2031 Women’s World Cup is shaping up as a defining moment for the business of women’s sport. The co-hosting model unlocks diverse markets, tourism opportunities, and grassroots pathways, creating a long-term legacy beyond matchday revenue.
For Concacaf, it’s a strategic leap — not just to host a tournament, but to institutionalize women’s football as a year-round economic and cultural engine across the region.
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