League: MLS Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Contracts

Chicago seeks Women’s World Cup hosting after rejecting men’s tournament

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 16, 2026, 9:16 AM

Last updated Oct 16, 2026

Chicago seeks Women’s World Cup hosting after rejecting men’s tournament

Summary

Chicago has entered the bidding for the 2031 Women’s World Cup after previously opting out of hosting the men’s tournament in 2026. The U.S., alongside Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica, leads the bid for the expanded tournament, which will feature 48 teams. Chicago’s proposal includes Soldier Field and a future soccer-specific stadium, McDonald’s Park, set to open in 2028. The city aims for fair terms following criticism over FIFA's demands for the men’s event, which had deterred its previous interest. Other cities, including Portland, have also submitted paperwork for consideration.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Chicago submitted paperwork for the 2031 Women’s World Cup bid.
•U.S. leads a joint bid with other nations for the tournament.
•Soldier Field and McDonald’s Park may serve as venues.
•Portland also confirmed its bid for Women's World Cup hosting.
•Cities aim for better terms compared to the men's World Cup negotiations.

Latest Updates

9:16 AMYahoo Sports — Chicago want to host the Women’s World Cup after saying ‘no’ to men’s tournament

What they're saying

"
After walking away from FIFA’s demands for the men’s World Cup in 2026, Chicago has now entered the race to host matches during the Women’s World Cup in 2031. The United States is the lead partner, along with Mexico, Jamaica and Costa Rica, in the sole bid to host the World Cup in 2031, which will also see the tournament expand to 48 teams for the first time. The bid book, submitted in November 2025, included 27 proposed U.S. cities for FIFA’s consideration, including venues in the 11 U.S. host
— Yahoo Sports

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