FIFA Council to Review 2031 World Cup Bid
The council will meet October 14 to deliberate on the joint bid submitted by four nations for the 2031 tournament.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Soccer
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The FIFA Council is set to discuss the sole bid for the 2031 Women's World Cup during its meeting on October 14, 2026. This joint proposal from the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica remains the only submission for the upcoming tournament.
Why it matters
The discussion will address concerns raised by prospective U.S. host cities regarding the financial and operational burdens associated with hosting the event. These negotiations are critical as organizers look to align host city terms before a formal vote.
The joint bid encompasses 35 prospective host cities, including 27 in the U.S., six in Mexico, and one each in Jamaica and Costa Rica. The FIFA Council, which oversees these proceedings, consists of 37 members.
The players
FIFA
The Federation Internationale de Football Association is the international governing body for association football.
U.S. Soccer
The United States Soccer Federation is the official governing body for the sport of soccer in the United States.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the current President of the United States who was awarded the first FIFA Peace Prize in 2025.
The details
The joint bid was formally submitted in November 2025, but the selection process was delayed from its original April 2026 timeline. U.S. host cities had previously refused to agree to specific hosting terms, necessitating the upcoming council review to resolve these outstanding issues.
Timeline
The joint bid for the 2031 tournament was submitted in November 2025.
The initial host selection vote was originally planned for April 2026.
The FIFA Council is scheduled to meet on October 14, 2026.
The Extraordinary Congress for the host selection vote is set for November 23, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This review process marks a pivotal moment in the selection cycle for the 2031 tournament, as it follows the established administrative oversight of the FIFA Council. The outcome will likely influence the broader hosting landscape, particularly as the U.K. remains the lone bidder for the 2035 event.
The council's upcoming review will determine whether the current bid structure is finalized, directly impacting which cities across the four nations may serve as future host sites. This decision is a prerequisite for the official vote scheduled for the Extraordinary Congress on November 23.
The takeaway
The upcoming FIFA Council meeting serves as a critical checkpoint to solidify the logistical and financial frameworks for the 2031 tournament. Ensuring host cities and governing bodies align on terms now is essential for a smooth bidding outcome in November.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming tournaments, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportsbusinessjournal.
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