The United States Soccer Federation submitted its bid to FIFA to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup in conjunction with Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica. U.S. Soccer proposed 14 American sites, but notably left off The Rose Bowl, which hosted the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final.
According to Pasadena Now, U.S. Soccer pitched nearby SoFi Stadium rather than the historic Rose Bowl venue.
FIFA’s stadium evaluation process requires venues to be turnkey and modern, which could explain the omission of the Rose Bowl from the 14 U.S. stadiums included in the bid.
Related: City of Pasadena, Rose Bowl Sue UCLA Over Stadium Lease Terms
The omission of the Rose Bowl from the 2031 Women’s World Cup marks the second time in the past few months that the stadium has fallen short to SoFi Stadium. Just last month, the City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl sought a restraining order against UCLA for the school’s attempt to break its lease agreement with the Rose Bowl and move Bruins’ home games to SoFi. That legal battle is ongoing.
According to ESPN, between the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica, over 50 stadiums were referenced in the bid, and decisions of which stadiums will be used in the Women’s World Cup will not be finalized for a few years.
"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.
Other U.S. stadiums identified included AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, NRG Stadium in Houston and Lumen Field in Seattle, among others.
