The Decision to Withdraw the Bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup

The decision by U.S. Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation to withdraw their bid to jointly host the 2027 Women’s World Cup came as a surprise to many. Instead, the federations have chosen to focus on securing the 2031 Women’s World Cup. This move was announced on Monday, highlighting a shift in priorities for the two countries in terms of hosting major soccer tournaments. While the U.S.-Mexico joint bid was one of three finalists for the 2027 World Cup, the federations have now opted to withdraw from the running.

The decision to withdraw the bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup was motivated by several factors. One key consideration was the fact that the U.S. will already be co-hosting the 2026 men’s World Cup alongside Canada. With this tournament set to be the largest in history, there were concerns about stretching resources and sponsorship dollars thin by also hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2027. By shifting their focus to the 2031 Women’s World Cup, U.S. Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation believe they can better prepare and maximize the impact of the tournament.

The decision to withdraw from the bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup has generated mixed reactions within the soccer community. While some see it as a strategic move to ensure a successful tournament in 2031, others are disappointed that the joint bid will not be moving forward. Hosting a Women’s World Cup is no small feat, and the federations are committed to providing equitable experiences for players, fans, and stakeholders. By delaying their bid to 2031, they hope to create a record-breaking tournament that will elevate the women’s game both locally and globally.

The U.S.-Mexico joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup took a strong commercial positioning in its bid book, projecting high-capacity stadium sellouts and record-breaking attendance. It forecasted 4.5 million fans and $3 billion in total revenue, emphasizing the economic potential of hosting such a prestigious tournament. Additionally, the bid called for equal investment in the women’s tournament compared to the men’s. FIFA’s plans for prize money distribution also played a role in shaping the bid’s financial projections.

The U.S. has a strong legacy in hosting Women’s World Cup events, having previously hosted the tournament in 1999 and 2003. The decision to withdraw from the 2027 bid does not diminish the country’s commitment to women’s soccer but rather signals a strategic shift in priorities. Looking ahead, the hosts for the 2031 Women’s World Cup will be decided next year, presenting new opportunities for U.S. Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation to showcase their capabilities in organizing and hosting major international tournaments.

The decision to withdraw the bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup marks a significant development in the world of women’s soccer. While it may come as a disappointment to some, the federations’ decision to focus on the 2031 tournament reflects a long-term vision for the growth and development of the women’s game. By prioritizing a record-breaking event in 2031, U.S. Soccer and the Mexican Football Federation are setting the stage for a new era of women’s soccer excellence.