As the 2026 World Cup approaches, host‑city leaders across the United States are turning their attention to the next major soccer milestone: the 2031 Women’s World Cup. Officials say the lessons learned from the men’s tournament are being used as leverage to renegotiate how FIFA distributes costs and shares revenue with its hosts.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has already pitched Charlotte as a potential host city for the women’s event, emphasizing the city’s proven infrastructure and the opportunity to apply the insights gained from the upcoming men’s tournament.
FIFA’s current commercial framework, which imposes strict category restrictions and limits on local sponsorship, has left many host cities feeling financially strained. Organizers are now pushing for revisions that would allow municipalities to retain a larger share of the proceeds and to negotiate more flexible expense‑sharing agreements.
One area ripe for discussion is the FIFA Fan Festivals that are staged by host cities. Leaders believe that by securing more favorable terms for these fan‑focused experiences, they can boost local economic impact while demonstrating the value of investing in women’s soccer.
A Call for a Dedicated Advocate
John Kristick, a veteran soccer administrator, has suggested that a central organizer — such as U.S. Soccer — could serve as an advocate for host cities, helping them navigate negotiations with FIFA and ensuring that the unique strengths of each market are recognized.
U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson echoed this sentiment, arguing that the federation should play a more active role in the 2031 Women’s World Cup because of its proven ability to promote and commercialize the women’s game at a national level.
The financial upside is significant. Analysts project that the 2031 tournament could generate more than $4 billion in total revenue, making it the most lucrative edition of the women’s event to date. This potential windfall is attracting attention from both public and private stakeholders eager to capitalize on the growing market.
Host cities are also highlighting the United States’ status as the world’s largest commercial market and the most mature women’s sports economy. By offering FIFA access to this ecosystem, they hope to secure terms that reflect the strategic value of staging the tournament on American soil.