Chicago and Portland, Oregon, have joined the bidding process to host 2031 Women's World Cup games, according to a source confirmed to ESPN. Chicago, the third-largest U.S. city, previously declined to host 2026 Men's World Cup matches due to FIFA's financial demands. Portland's Providence Park, home to the NWSL's Portland Thorns and MLS' Portland Timbers, is a top soccer venue but would require natural grass over its artificial turf.
The U.S. is co-bidding with Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica for the 2031 tournament, with the bid expected to be confirmed unopposed by FIFA on Nov. 23. Chicago's Soldier Field and the Chicago Fire's new 22,000-seat stadium are potential venues. FIFA requires a minimum 20,000 capacity for group stage matches.
The joint bid by England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales is also unopposed for the 2035 Women's World Cup.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing