Women’s World Cup is coming to U.S. in 2031. Could Kansas City be a host city?
U.S. Soccer announced Thursday the 2031 Women’s World Cup will be held in the United States along with “CONCACAF partners,” as FIFA brings another top tournament to the country.
“As FIFA finalizes the number of participating teams in the tournament, we will solidify our partnership structure with fellow CONCACAF nations,” U.S. Soccer said in a story on its website. “We look forward to sharing more details and unveiling our full vision for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the near future.”
The tournament will be held five years after the men’s World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Kansas City will be a host city for six matches in 2026, and Thursday’s announcement begs an obvious question.
Could Kansas City be a host city for the women’s World Cup?
“We are evaluating all options and look forward to working with many of the cities across the U.S.,” U.S. Soccer said in a statement given to The Star. “Our goal is to ensure a diverse and inclusive mix of venues that provide the best possible experience for players, fans, and stakeholders while expanding the tournament’s reach across the country.”
There are a few important details to be determined.
As noted, FIFA hasn’t determined the size of the 2031 Women’s World Cup, so it’s unsure how many matches will be played in the tournament that year.
And it’s unknown which CONCACAF partners will be joining with U.S. Soccer in hosting the tournament. The Athletic said Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica could be nations that host games in 2031, along with the United States.
One positive for Kansas City is next year’s men’s World Cup. The city would know what it would take to hold an international tournament.
“Dreamland I think for us to know that there’ll be a World Cup coming to these shores,” U.S. women’s soccer coach Emma Hayes told reporters Friday. “The infrastructure’s going to be in place from the men’s World Cup, so how amazing that is?”
A big question about a potential Kansas City bid is the future of GEHA Field Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs are exploring stadium options and their lease at Arrowhead Stadium expires on Jan. 31, 2031, which would be months ahead of the start of the World Cup.
The last Women’s World Cup to be played in the United States was in 2003 and matches were held in NFL stadiums but also in smaller venues like Columbus Crew’s old stadium, which had a seating capacity of roughly 20,000. That could open the door to Children’s Mercy Park being used.
But that’s putting the cart before the horse as Kansas City would have to express interest in being a host city. That is not known at this time.
As one U.S. Soccer media relations person noted: “Lots to be determined in the coming days, weeks, months and years.”
