Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium was not among 14 American sites listed as primary potential hosts for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, but is among additional possibilities listed for consideration, according to a bid book submitted to FIFA by the United States Soccer Federation.
FIFA released the bid books Friday for the 2031 and 2035 women’s tournaments. There is only one bidder for each, a US-Mexico-Costa Rica-Jamaica proposal for 2031 and a United Kingdom plan for 2035. FIFA is to formally confirm the bids at its congress on April 30.
Twenty-six US stadiums, including seven to be used for next year’s men’s World Cup, were mentioned as suitable venues for a 48-nation 2031 tournament the bidders project would draw 4.5 million fans and generate about $4 billion in revenue, up from $570 million for 2023 in Australia and New Zealand and a projection of $1 billion for the 2027 tournament in Brazil.
Proposed ticket prices of $35 for the cheapest seats in the opening round to $120 to $600 for the final were listed in a ticket grid. FIFA has refused to release a grid for next year’s men’s tournament, saying only prices initially ranged from $60-$6,730 but could fluctuate with dynamic pricing. The bid book said premium seating would average 10 to 20 percent of capacity at the majority of 2031 stadiums.
Fifty sites were mentioned in the joint 2031 bid. Final decisions likely will not be made for several years.
The bid book also said “other suitable cities are included” — including Foxborough — beyond the specified 14 ”as part of the broader bid framework with the understanding that they will continue to be equally considered for the purposes of stadium selection.”
“By proposing more than the required 20 sites, the joint bidders demonstrate a commitment to securing the best possible hosting conditions and ensuring the tournament represents the full diversity of our region on a global scale,” the bid book stated.
The 2026 US World Cup sites included in the 2031 proposal are Arlington, Texas (AT&T); Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz); East Rutherford, N.J. (MetLife); Houston (NRG); Inglewood, Calif. (Sofi); Kansas City, Mo. (Arrowhead); and Seattle (Lumen Field).
The seven others primary choices are Charlotte, N.C. (Bank of America), Denver (Empower Field); Minneapolis (US Bank); Nashville, Tenn. (Geodis Park); Orlando, Fla. (Camping World); San Diego (Snapdragon); and Washington, D.C. (proposed NFL venue on the RFK Stadium site).
Gillette is among a slew of additional US venues listed as possibilities, as are men’s World Cup sites Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia) and Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, Calif.) That group also includes:
- Baltimore (M&T Bank, home of the NFL’s Ravens)
- Birmingham, Ala. (Protective)
- Carson, Calif. (Dignity Health Sports Park)
- Cincinnati (TQL)
- Cleveland (Huntington Bank Field)
- Columbus, Ohio (Lower.com Field)
- Frisco, Texas (Toyota)
- Glendale, Ariz. (State Farm)
- Harrison, N.J. (Sports Illustrated)
- Indianapolis (a proposed downtown soccer stadium)
- Los Angeles (Memorial Coliseum)
- Miami (Chase Stadium, set to open in 2026)
- Nashville (Nissan Stadium)
- New York (Etihad Park, set to open in 2027)
- Orlando (Inter & Co)
- Pasadena, Calif. (Rose Bowl)
- St. Louis (Energizer Park)
- San Francisco (Oracle Park)
- Sandy, Utah (America First Field)
- Tampa, Florida (Raymond James)
Second possible sites in cities, all with lower capacities, were included for Houston (Shell Energy), Kansas City (CPKC), and Washington, D.C. (Audi Field).
Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium was the only 2026 World Cup venue not included.
Chicago was not listed after dropping out of bidding to host in 2026 because of what it said were FIFA’s burdensome financial demands.
Mexico’s three sites for next year’s World Cup also are proposed for the women’s tournament, Mexico City (Azteca), Guadalajara (Akron) and Monterrey (BBVA), along with a fourth in Torreón (Corona).
National stadiums are proposed in Kingston, Jamaica, and San Jose, Costa Rica, for 2031 as well.
