Chicago and Portland enter 2031 Women’s World Cup bid: What it means for US soccer and African diaspora fans

Why US cities are eyeing the 2031 tournament

The United States has a long track record of hosting major soccer events, from the 1994 men’s World Cup to the 2026 joint bid with Canada and Mexico. The upcoming 2031 Women’s World Cup offers another chance to capitalize on that legacy, especially after the record‑breaking viewership of the 2023 edition. Cities like Chicago and Portland see the tournament as a catalyst for stadium upgrades, tourism revenue, and a boost to local women's sports programs.

Both municipalities have already invested heavily in soccer infrastructure. Chicago’s Soldier Field and the newly built Chicago Stadium for the Chicago Fire Women’s team can accommodate large crowds, while Portland’s Providence Park is celebrated for its passionate fan base and recent renovations that meet FIFA standards. The bids are also part of broader city strategies to position themselves as global sports destinations, a trend that has accelerated since the pandemic reshaped event planning.

Officials argue that hosting matches would generate jobs and spur community projects tied to gender equity. A 2022 study by the Sports Business Journal estimated that every World Cup match can create up to 1,200 temporary jobs in the host city, ranging from security to hospitality. For Chicago and Portland, the prospect of such economic impact aligns with their post‑COVID recovery goals.

The bid landscape and Africa’s position

While North American cities are stepping forward, the competition is global. African football federations have been vocal about wanting a chance to host a Women’s World Cup, citing the continent’s rapid growth in women’s participation. According to CAF’s 2024 development report, the number of registered female players in Africa rose by 38% over the past five years, a trend that fuels calls for a future African host.

No African nation has formally entered the 2031 bidding process yet, but several are reportedly preparing bids for later cycles, such as the 2039 tournament. Sources close to the Confederation of African Football said that South Africa and Kenya are evaluating stadium upgrades and government support before committing to a formal bid. The entry of Chicago and Portland therefore adds pressure on African federations to accelerate their preparations if they want to stay competitive.

The United States’ early entry also reflects a strategic move to lock in venues before other continents finalize their proposals. FIFA’s new bidding guidelines, released in 2025, require cities to demonstrate sustainability plans and community legacy projects. Both Chicago and Portland have drafted comprehensive green‑energy proposals, a factor that could sway the selection committee, especially as African bids are still outlining similar frameworks.

Economic and cultural stakes for Chicago and Portland

Chicago expects the tournament to complement its broader “Sports City” branding. The city’s mayor’s office estimates that a single World Cup match could inject $45 million into the local economy through hotel bookings, dining, and transportation. Moreover, the event aligns with Chicago’s push to increase female participation in sports, as the city recently launched a city‑wide youth soccer program targeting girls of color.

Portland, known for its progressive culture, sees the bid as an opportunity to showcase its reputation for fan engagement. The city’s “Rose City” moniker has already become synonymous with passionate support for the Portland Thorns, one of the most successful clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League. Hosting World Cup games would likely elevate the city’s global profile and attract sponsors interested in aligning with socially conscious sports markets.

Both cities are also courting corporate partners who view women’s soccer as a growing advertising platform. In 2023, global sponsorship spend on women’s football reached $1.2 billion, according to Deloitte. Local businesses in Chicago’s Loop and Portland’s Pearl District are positioning themselves to benefit from that influx, hoping to secure naming rights, hospitality suites, and community outreach slots.

Implications for African diaspora and women’s football

Chicago and Portland host sizable African immigrant populations—estimated at 300,000 in Chicago and 70,000 in Portland. The tournament could become a cultural bridge, offering diaspora communities a chance to rally behind African‑born players who compete for the United States or other national teams. In the 2023 World Cup, several U.S. squad members, such as forward Alyssa Thompson (of Nigerian descent), highlighted the pride of representing both their heritage and adopted country.

Local African community organizations are already planning viewing events and youth clinics tied to the World Cup schedule. According to a statement from the Chicago African Women’s Soccer Association, the group hopes to use the tournament to inspire young girls from neighborhoods like Englewood and Little Haiti to pursue football careers, thereby expanding the talent pipeline that feeds both U.S. and African national teams.

The exposure could also affect African markets indirectly. Streaming platforms that secure rights to the tournament often negotiate regional packages; higher viewership in U.S. cities with large African diasporas can drive better deals for African broadcasters. This, in turn, may increase revenue for African football federations, enabling them to invest more in grassroots women’s programs.

What comes next for the 2031 host selection

FIFA expects to announce the shortlist of candidate cities by mid‑2027, followed by a final decision in early 2028. Both Chicago and Portland will need to submit detailed legacy and sustainability reports by the end of 2026, according to the federation’s revised timeline. The reports must outline how each city will ensure post‑tournament use of facilities, promote gender equity, and deliver measurable community benefits.

If the U.S. cities secure the bid, the next phase will involve coordinating with the U.S. Soccer Federation to allocate matches across venues while balancing travel logistics for teams. Conversely, an African bid that reaches the final stage could shift the narrative toward a more diversified hosting model, potentially leading to a joint‑continent arrangement similar to the 2026 men’s World Cup.

Regardless of the outcome, the early entry of Chicago and Portland signals an intensifying battle for the 2031 edition, one that will shape the commercial landscape of women’s football for the next decade. Stakeholders—from local businesses to diaspora groups—are watching closely, aware that the decision will ripple far beyond the stadiums.

Quick Answers

When will FIFA announce the host cities for the 2031 Women's World Cup?
FIFA plans to release the shortlist of candidate cities in mid‑2027 and name the final host cities in early 2028.

How could the 2031 Women's World Cup affect African diaspora communities in the US?
The tournament could provide cultural rally points, inspire youth participation, and boost streaming revenue that benefits African football federations.

Are any African nations bidding to host the 2031 Women's World Cup?
No African country has officially entered the 2031 bidding process yet, though South Africa and Kenya are reportedly preparing bids for later cycles.

Source: www.espn.com