A number of American cities named as potential hosts for matches at the 2031 Women’s World Cup are considering whether to withdraw from the process amid concerns about Fifa’s handling of this summer’s World Cup, according to The Guardian.
The cities are also said to be exploring whether to shift their attention to a different major sporting opportunity: the men’s 2031 Rugby World Cup. In some cases, the reported thinking is that they may focus solely on trying to secure matches for that tournament rather than continue pursuing the women’s football event.
Chicago and Pittsburgh have already declined to enter the running, according to the source report. That leaves other American cities still in the mix, although their positions now appear uncertain as discussions continue behind the scenes.
The developments come at a time when approval for the host bid has reportedly been delayed by government-related holdups. Those delays have added to the uncertainty surrounding the process and may be influencing how cities assess their chances and priorities.
The situation is notable because the United States is scheduled to play a major role in several upcoming international tournaments. Alongside the 2031 Women’s World Cup, the country will also stage the women’s rugby tournament two years later. The possibility of hosting the men’s 2031 Rugby World Cup is therefore emerging as an alternative focus for some cities.
For cities weighing their options, the question appears to be not just whether they can successfully join the 2031 Women’s World Cup host list, but whether it makes more sense to direct resources toward another bid with fewer concerns attached. The reported discussions suggest that confidence in the current Fifa process has weakened enough to alter planning at the municipal level.
No formal withdrawal decision from the remaining cities was included in the source report, and it is not clear how many may ultimately step back. But the fact that multiple cities are said to be reviewing their positions points to a wider sense of hesitation around the bid process.
The uncertainty leaves the 2031 Women’s World Cup host picture in flux, with American cities still central to the conversation but not yet fully committed. As the bid process continues, the balance between football and rugby hosting ambitions may become a deciding factor for some of the cities involved.
The Guardian report suggests that the next steps will depend on how local officials judge the risks, rewards and timing of the competing bids.
