The U.S. is likely to be one of four host nations for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and several markets -- including some not involved in the ongoing men’s World Cup -- are already expressing interest in hosting matches in that tournament. In St. Paul, Charley Walters noted that Minneapolis is “‘very interested’ in becoming one of 14 host cities” for the ’31 event and that talks “already are underway.” City execs determined that this year’s men’s World Cup “was too expensive a proposition” to serve as one of the 11 host cities in the U.S. (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 7/11). Charlotte also missed out on this year’s event, but in Charlotte, Erik Spanberg noted Panthers and Charlotte FC owner David Tepper “has been very clear about wanting to host women’s World Cup matches.” Tepper Sports & Entertainment CEO Kristi Coleman said, “Any game, any match for that would be incredible to host. So we will work hard to try to get that bid in” (”N.C. Business Minds,“ TRIANGLE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/13).
WHERE EVERYTHING IS BIGGER: Dallas Stadium will host its ninth and final men’s World Cup match with Tuesday’s France-Spain semifinal, and Dallas-based KTVT-CBS’ Marissa Armas noted organizers with the North Texas FIFA World Cup organizing committee indicated that its focus also is “already shifting to the future.” That includes “trying to secure the Women’s World Cup in 2031.” Organizers called its role hosting games this year a “major success, pointing to transportation, public safety and regional coordination as some of the tournament’s biggest wins” (KTVT-CBS, 7/13).
THROWING DOWN THE GAUNTLET: K.C.-based KCTV-CBS’ Morgan Riddell noted bringing the ’31 women’s tournament to town is an idea Mayor Quinton Lucas “says isn’t just a dream, they’re planning on it.” While there are looming questions over the future of Arrowhead Stadium and where the Chiefs’ new stadium in Kansas “would land in the plan, Mayor Lucas said he’s pulling for Missouri.” Lucas said of Arrowhead, “We will look to certainly make that central to the bid.” Lucas: “I respect other American cities, but I’ll tell you this here right now -- I think we’re more exciting than Indianapolis, more exciting than Denver. I think every big thing should be here” (KCTV-CBS, 7/13).
