US and Mexico Unite for 2027 Women's World Cup Bid
It’s official: the United States and Mexico are joining forces to host the 2027 Women's World Cup, a monumental announcement made by their respective national soccer federations.
With the 2026 Men's World Cup already set to take place across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and the 2028 Olympics penciled in for Los Angeles, this joint bid only adds to the sporting frenzy gripping the continent. However, the competition is fierce, as Brazil also tossed its hat into the ring last month, alongside a triple-threat bid from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, and another contender in the form of South Africa. FIFA is slated to reveal its decision in May 2024, according to U.S. Soccer.
FIFA's deadline for member associations to express interest in hosting was Wednesday, as stated by U.S. Soccer. Bidding agreements are due by May 19, with more information on the joint bid between U.S. Soccer and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF) to be unveiled closer to the deadline.
The U.S. has twice played host to the Women's World Cup in 1999 and 2003, with eight venues across the country welcoming the former, and six cities hosting the latter after it was relocated from China. Mexico, on the other hand, has never had the privilege of hosting the prestigious event.
The American women are eager to secure a third consecutive World Cup victory at this year's tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
The announcement of the joint bid may not come as a huge surprise, as U.S. Soccer has long planned to vie for either the 2027 or 2031 World Cup to foster the growth of soccer in America. Opting for 2027 and partnering with Mexico — a key ally in the 2026 bid — injects a dose of realism into the closer option.
The U.S., with its vast infrastructure and experience, is more than equipped to host an event of this magnitude, even though it hasn't done so since 2003. For Mexico, this would mark its inaugural Women's World Cup, a fitting collaboration given the skyrocketing popularity of women's soccer. The back-to-back World Cups in 2026 and 2027 could serve as a powerful catalyst for both nations.
Despite the strong bid, the competition remains stiff. The combined efforts of Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands form a formidable contender, and several other countries have also expressed interest in the 2027 event.
U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone shared her enthusiasm in a recent statement, saying, "The United States has always been a global leader for the women's game, and we would be honored to co-host the world's premier event for women's soccer along with Mexico." She believes that hosting the 2027 Women's World Cup offers an exceptional opportunity to further cultivate soccer in the CONCACAF region.
FMF president Yon de Luisa echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significant growth of women's football in Mexico over the past five years. He expressed his pleasure in collaborating with the U.S. Soccer Federation, emphasizing the historic nature of this joint bid for the region.