NEW YORK (AP) – The U.S. Soccer Federation has proposed 14 of the 20 possible venues to host matches for the 2031 Women’s World Cup in the United States. Seven U.S. stadiums will be used for next year’s men’s tournament.
FIFA on Friday announced the bid list for the 2031 and 2035 women’s tournaments. There can only be one bidder for each. Proposals for the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica for 2031 and UK 2035 plan. FIFA is expected to formally approve the bid at its general meeting on April 30th.
The bidder’s project names 26 additional stadiums in the United States as suitable venues for the 48-nation tournament, which is expected to draw 4.5 million fans and generate approximately $4 billion in revenue, up from a projected $570 million for Australia and New Zealand in 2023 and $1 billion for the 2027 Brazil Games.
Ticket prices were listed on the ticket grid with suggested prices ranging from $35 for the cheapest seats for the opening game to $120 to $600 for the final game. FIFA refused to announce the grid for next year’s men’s tournament, saying only: Prices originally ranged from $60 to $6,730, but may change due to dynamic pricing. Premium seats will account for 10-20% of the average capacity of most stadiums in 2031, according to the bid documents.
A total of 50 sites were proposed for joint bidding in 2031. A final decision probably won’t be made for several years.
In addition to the 14 named cities, the bid document states that “other suitable cities will also be included” “as part of a broader bidding framework, with the understanding that they will continue to be given equal consideration for stadium selection purposes”.
“By proposing the required 20 or more venues, the joint bidders demonstrate their commitment to securing the best possible hosting conditions and ensuring the tournament fully represents global and regional diversity,” the bid states.
The 2026 U.S. locations included in the 2031 proposal are Arlington, Texas (AT&T), Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz), East Rutherford, New Jersey (MetLife), Houston (NRG), Inglewood, California (Sophie), Kansas City, Missouri (Arrowhead), and Seattle (Lumen Field).
The other seven locations are Charlotte, North Carolina (Bank of America), Denver (Empower Field), Minneapolis (US Bank), Nashville, Tennessee (Geodis Park), Orlando, Florida (Camping World), San Diego (Snapdragon), and Washington, DC (a proposed NFL venue on the grounds of RFK Stadium).
Orlando and Washington hosted the 1994 Men’s World Cup.
Three venues have been proposed to host Mexico’s women’s World Cup next year: Mexico City (Azteca), Guadalajara (Akron), Monterrey (BBVA), and a fourth venue, Torreon (Corona).
National stadiums are proposed to be built in Kingston, Jamaica, and San Jose, Costa Rica.
Other potential U.S. venues include Foxborough, Massachusetts (Gillette), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field) and Santa Clara, California (Levi’s), all of which will host next year’s Men’s World Cup.
Additional locations include Baltimore (M&T Bank), Birmingham, Alabama (Conservation), Carson, California (Dignity Health Sports Park), Cincinnati (TQL), Cleveland (Huntington Bank Field), Columbus, Ohio (Lower.com Field), Frisco, Texas (Toyota), Glendale, Arizona (State Farm), and Harrison, New Jersey (Sports). ), Los Angeles (Memorial Coliseum), Miami (Chase), Nashville (Nissan), New York (Etihad Park), Orlando (Inter & Co.), Pasadena, California (Rose Bowl), St. Louis (Energizer Park), San Francisco (Oracle Park), Sandy, Utah (America’s First Field), and Tampa, Florida (Raymond James).
Second-choice urban locations include Houston (Shell Energy), Kansas City (CPKC), and Washington, DC (Audi Field), all of which have lower production capacity.
Indianapolis had been mentioned as a potential stadium.
Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium was the only 2026 World Cup venue not included.
Chicago was no longer listed. withdraw from bid for 2026 venue This is said to be due to FIFA’s heavy financial demands.
Possible additions in Mexico include Pachuca (Miguel Hidalgo) and Queretaro (Corregidora), and Universitario as a potential replacement in Monterrey. Saprissa was listed as an alternative site located in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Organizers are planning a fan festival and viewing party in conjunction with the game. Revenue from marketing and sponsorships is projected at $1.4 billion.
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