The United States and Mexico submitted a joint bid on Friday to co-host the 2027 women’s World Cup that, if successful, would see the North American neighbours stage global soccer’s two showcase events in back-to-back years.
Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands earlier on Friday put in a joint bid to be the 2027 hosts, while Brazil put forward their bid to world soccer governing body FIFA last month.
U.S. Soccer said in a statement that bringing the women’s World Cup to North America would capitalise on a moment of extraordinary growth in women’s sports to deliver a tournament of unprecedented success.
The United States and Mexico, along with Canada, are set to co-host the 2026 men’s World Cup but rather than viewing that as negative U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone described it as a huge plus.
“This is a pivotal time for women’s soccer,” said Parlow Cone. “The U.S. and Mexico are in a unique position to host a World Cup that will leverage the same venues, infrastructure, and protocols used for the Men’s World Cup just a year prior.
“This will not only unlock the economic potential of women’s soccer, it will send a message to young players around the world that there is no limit to what they can achieve.”
Member associations had until Friday to submit their bids to FIFA. South Africa had also submitted a bid but withdrew last month, saying they felt it was better to present a “well-prepared bid” for the 2031 edition.
“Extensive and detailed consultations between the three federations along with key stakeholders including central governments dates back to 2021,” the Dutch football federation (KNVB) said in a statement accompanying the European nations’ bid.
“This has led to alignment around the belief that our three countries are well placed to stage a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 of unparalleled quality and impact.”
FIFA will organise on-site inspection visits to bidding countries in February before the hosts are appointed in May by the FIFA Congress.
The 2023 tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand this year, with Spain beating England in the final.
-Reuters
