U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson said it would be fitting for the United States and Mexico to host the first expanded version of the women's competition in 2031, considering the two countries are combining - along with Canada - to host a 48-team version of the men's competition in 2026.
"America knows how to throw a sports party, and the women's World Cup deserves the same party as the men's World Cup," Batson said. "We think that, from a growth of the game broadly, from a commercial revenue standpoint, which is so important to enabling countries all across the world to invest in their women's soccer programs, we think we're uniquely positioned to throw a great event but also generate the resources that can invest in women's soccer around the world."
U.S. Soccer and Mexico were among the initial bidders for the 2027 competition, but backed out last May ahead of Brazil being awarded it, shifting the focus to 2031. Cone said there was a concern that some fans wouldn't be able to afford to attend World Cups in back-to-back years, following the men's World Cup in 2026.
"It was hard for us to shift from 2027 to 2031, but we all felt it was the best thing for the sport," Cone said. "I wanted that build-up so we can put the same focus and energy into the women's World Cup that we are into the men's World Cup."