Parity in Prize Money: The USSF and Mexico’s Rationale for Withdrawing their Bid to Host the 2027 Women’s World Cup

The U.S. Soccer Federation and its Mexican counterpart have announced their decision to withdraw their joint bid to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup and focus on hosting the tournament in 2031 instead. This decision leaves Brazil and a joint plan from Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium in the running to be selected for hosting the 2027 Women’s World Cup by the FIFA Congress scheduled to meet on May 17 in Bangkok.

In their bid for the 2031 tournament, the USSF is calling for FIFA to invest equally in both the men’s and women’s World Cups. Last year, FIFA announced plans to allocate $896 million in prize money for the 2026 Men’s World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, compared to $110 million designated for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone expressed pride in the commitment to provide fair opportunities for players, fans, and stakeholders while emphasizing the importance of proper preparation for hosting such a significant global event.

The USSF detailed its bid in December, proposing U.S. locations among the 11 sites that will also be used for the 2026 Men’s World Cup. Mexico identified Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey as their three sites for the 2026 Men’s World Cup, with Leon and Querétaro as additional possibilities for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Mexican Football Federation President Ivar Sisniega stated that moving the bid to 2031 will enable them to deliver a more successful Women’s World Cup ever. With their professional women’s leagues growing stronger every year