Chicago World Cup Bid: City eyes 2031 tournament after venue negotiations
Chicago Sports Commission leaders say improved exclusivity terms from FIFA have revived the city's interest in hosting matches.
By Vincent Parker ·
A delegation of FIFA officials will vote on host countries for the 2031 Women's World Cup on Nov. 23, and Chicago is positioning itself as a contender. Kara Bachman, executive director of the Chicago Sports Commission, indicated that the city's bid hinges on whether venue operators can agree to specific operational terms. The commission is currently negotiating to ensure these terms are favorable enough to support a successful application.
Chicago is one of more than two dozen Western Hemisphere cities pursuing hosting rights for the tournament. Bachman confirmed that Soldier Field is the top choice in the city's application, although she noted that other venues are under consideration. She did not specify if this includes SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview or the upcoming Chicago Fire stadium at The 78. No binding documents have been signed yet, and game allocation will not be determined until later in the process.
The primary concern for city officials involves exclusivity clauses. FIFA requires venues to close for a set period before and after matches to allow for setup and teardown. For the 2031 tournament, a FIFA spokesperson stated that the exclusive use period would be 14 days before the first match and five days after the final match at a specific venue. This means Soldier Field would be locked down for a minimum of 20 days if Chicago were selected for even one game.
This timeline is shorter than the terms offered for the 2026 men's World Cup. In 2018, Chicago withdrew its bid for the men's tournament because of concerns over taxpayer uncertainty and strict venue restrictions. At that time, FIFA requested a 30-day exclusivity period before matches and seven days after. Bachman described the current 2031 proposal as less invasive compared to the previous request.
Soldier Field hosts a packed schedule of concerts and international sporting events throughout the summer. City officials have historically been reluctant to clear these dates for tournaments. The 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil offers a comparison. The Arena de Pernambuco will host seven games over 13 days. Under the 2031 terms, that stadium would be under FIFA control for just over a month.
Chicago faces stiff competition from other Midwest cities, including Kansas City, Cleveland, Columbus, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Indianapolis. Several of these venues have capacities between 62,000 and 69,000, while Minneapolis and Indianapolis have facilities expanded beyond 70,000 for special events. Kansas City is a particular rival due to its recent experience hosting men's World Cup games and the construction of CPKC Stadium, which opened in 2024 as the first facility built specifically for women's soccer.
Chicago last hosted World Cup matches in 1999, when Soldier Field drew a sold-out crowd of more than 65,000 for a group-stage game between the U.S. Women's National Team and Nigeria. The city has failed to secure hosting rights in two subsequent bids. Bachman believes the current timing is right, citing the Chicago Fire's record-breaking attendance and the NWSL's strong fan engagement. She stated that the city's diversity and major sports presence make it a strong candidate for hosting.
Bachman said the commission is optimistic about the potential to collaborate with other U.S. cities to present a positive image of the country. She emphasized that the opportunity to be a World Cup city remains attractive, provided the terms work for the local infrastructure. The final decision on host cities is expected to come several years after the current vote on host countries.
