The United States and Mexico Federations withdrew on Monday their joint bid to host the Women's World Cup in 2027, stating that instead they will focus on trying to host the tournament in 2031.
The decision left the Brazilian candidacy and a joint project between Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium competing for the host of 2027, which will be chosen at the FIFA Congress to be held on May 17 in Bangkok.
US Soccer stated that the 2031 bid will require FIFA to invest equally in the men’s and women’s World Cups.
Last year, FIFA announced that it planned to spend 896 million dollars on prizes for the 2026 Men's World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The governing body allocated 110 million dollars in prizes for the Women's World Cup last year in Australia and New Zealand.
"Organizing a World Cup tournament is a huge task, and having additional time to prepare allows us to maximize its impact worldwide," said USSF President (initials for the United States federation), Cindy Parlow Cone, in a statement. "I am proud of our commitment to providing equitable experiences for the players, fans, and all our stakeholders. Changing our bid will allow us to host an unprecedented Women's World Cup in 2031 that will help grow and elevate the level of women's soccer both at home and around the world."
In detailing the candidacy in December, the USSF proposed U.S. sites among the same 11 to be used in the 2026 Men's World Cup. Mexico included Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey - their three venues for the Men's World Cup - and also listed León and Querétaro as possibilities for 2027.
"After careful analysis, we believe that moving our candidacy to 2031 will allow us to promote and prepare the most successful Women's World Cup in history," said the President of the Mexican Football Federation, Ivar Sisniega, in a statement.
"The strength and universality of our professional women's leagues, along with our experience in organizing the 2026 World Cup, means that we will be able to provide the best infrastructure, as well as a base of enthusiastic fans that will make all participating teams feel at home and organize a World Cup that contributes to the ongoing growth of women's soccer," he added.