SEATTLE — A joint bid by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica has emerged as the leading candidate to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup, potentially bringing international tournament matches to Seattle.
Soccer governing body FIFA is scheduled to announce its host decision on Nov. 23.
The four-nation proposal was highlighted in a published FIFA technical report as having the strongest chance of winning the 2031 hosting rights.
The selection process comes ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Brazil.
Local organizers in Seattle are expressing optimism about bringing the tournament to the Pacific Northwest.
April Putney, an organizer who helped coordinate Seattle’s bid for the men’s World Cup, highlighted the region’s strong support for female athletes.
“We are such a city that celebrates and supports and shows up for women’s sports,” Putney said.
Putney added that organizers are focused on demonstrating local enthusiasm to international soccer officials.
“It’s really just about getting the excitement out and making sure the world knows that we want to be a part of this party,” Putney said.
In Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, soccer tournaments have previously brought large crowds to local businesses.
Jen Barnes, owner of the sports bar Rough & Tumble, noted that major international soccer events regularly draw long lines wrapped around the block.
During recent men’s tournament play, business at her establishment saw a substantial surge over five weeks.
“I would say so, during the five weeks of men’s World Cup this year, we exceeded sales by four to five times,” Barnes said.
Barnes recalled that both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2026 Men’s World Cup generated tremendous local fan interest. She plans to broadcast every single match of the 2027 tournament in Brazil at Rough & Tumble to give fans another taste of international competition.
“To have the Women’s World Cup come here to Seattle, to my home, would mean the world to me,” Barnes said.
She emphasized that hosting games in 2031 would mark a major milestone for local soccer fans.
“Bringing the World Cup back to Seattle is gonna feel like coming home in full circle,” Barnes said.
FIFA is set to announce its hosting decision on the morning of Nov. 23 at 8 a.m.
If the joint North and Central American bid is selected, cities will compete to become one of 35 designated hosting sites, though host city selections are expected well after the 2027 tournament.
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