FIFA World Cup

Could Charlotte host the 2031 FIFA women’s World Cup? What the bid book says

The Real Madrid team celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA Club World Cup game between Real Madrid and Pachuca in Charlotte, NC, Sunday, June 22, 2025.
The Real Madrid team celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA Club World Cup game between Real Madrid and Pachuca in Charlotte, NC, Sunday, June 22, 2025. lturner@charlotteobserver.com

It’s still early, but the city of Charlotte could host another massive international soccer event in six years.

Charlotte has been included as a prospective host city in U.S. Soccer’s bid to host the 2031 women’s World Cup, according to the bid book that was submitted Friday.

Bank of America Stadium was named as the venue attached to Charlotte in the bid, and is one of the “nearly 50 venues capable of playing host to a record-breaking event” such as a World Cup, the bid book writes.

Other U.S. sites included in the bid include Los Angeles, Denver, Kansas City, Atlanta, New York/New Jersey, Orlando and others.

“Charlotte is a city of growth, innovation and inclusion, evolving from a regional hub into one of America’s premier sports destinations,” the bid book reads. “With a proven record of hosting world-class events and a strong commitment to equity and opportunity, Charlotte stands ready to deliver a lasting legacy as a host for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031.”

Where will the 2031 Women’s World Cup be?

FIFA has yet to officially name where the 2031 women’s World Cup will be hosted. But the honor is expected to be awarded to a joint bid by the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica, as no other bids are anticipated.

FIFA will evaluate host bids and make official appointments in Vancouver, Canada, on April 30, 2026, according to a release.

The U.S., Mexico and Canada are sharing the 2026 Men’s World Cup next summer. Charlotte is not a match site in the 2026 event.

Bank of America Stadium has been the host of several international soccer showcases. Most recently, the FIFA Club World Cup stopped in Charlotte this past summer. The city also hosted part of the CONMEBOL Copa America tournament in July 2024.

This of course is on top of the venue’s duties as host of Charlotte FC, the MLS franchise that just wrapped up its fourth season and has spearheaded such an influx in soccer enthusiasm that it has helped give Charlotte the moniker “soccer city.” Charlotte is also hosting the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.

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Alex Zietlow
The Charlotte Observer
Alex Zietlow writes about the Carolina Panthers and the ways in which sports intersect with life for The Charlotte Observer, where he has been a reporter since August 2022. Zietlow’s work has been honored by the Pro Football Writers Association, the N.C. and S.C. Press Associations, as well as the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) group. He’s earned six APSE Top 10 distinctions for his coverage on a variety of topics, from billion-dollar stadium renovations to the small moments of triumph that helped a Panthers kicker defy the steepest odds in sports. Zietlow previously wrote for The Herald in Rock Hill (S.C.) from 2019-22. Support my work with a digital subscription
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