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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Exclusive by Matt Hughes

Potential US host cities for 2031 Women’s World Cup games mull withdrawal over Fifa concerns

Mexico federation president Mikel Arriola, Jamaica federation president Michael Ricketts, Costa Rica federation president Osael Maroto, and U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone hold up jerseys as they announce the four countries hosting the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2031 Bid Announcement Event on October 20, 2025 in New York City.
The joint hosting bid between Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica and the US is the only proposal that Fifa is considering for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, but its approval has been delayed. Photograph: Howard Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images

A number of American cities named in the running to host games at the 2031 Women’s World Cup are considering withdrawing over concerns related to Fifa’s handling of this summer’s World Cup.

The Guardian has learned that several cities are exploring whether to focus solely on winning the right to host matches at the men’s 2031 Rugby World Cup. The US will also stage the women’s rugby tournament two years later.

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