New Jersey could host 2031 Women’s World Cup | Exclusive
New Jersey could host 2031 Women’s World Cup | Exclusive
Katie Sobko, NorthJersey.comTue, August 11, 2026 at 8:18 AM UTC
0
FIFA World Cup take two anyone? That might be the case as the Garden State has expressed interest in hosting matches in the upcoming 2031 women’s tournament.
A memorandum of understanding obtained by the USA Today Network New Jersey was signed on March 16, 2026 by Jill Kotner Hirsch, the head of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority nominated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
The document highlights the “world-class stadium that has demonstrated its capability to host major international events safely and successfully,” noting there are hospitality areas, seating, a pitch surface that meets the FIFA requirements and other amenities.
It also points to training sites and hotels visiting teams would have access to, public spaces for fan events and “an international airport connect to our host city.”
New Jersey without New York
There may be one pretty big change though. The document is from the very real New Jersey as opposed to the very imaginary “New York New Jersey” that was responsible for hosting matches this summer for the 2026 tournament.
The words “New York” are noticeably absent from the document, suggesting these potential hosting duties would not include a partnership with the neighboring state and city across the Hudson.
Maggie Garbarino, a spokesperson for the Sherrill administration, said the governor was “thrilled to welcome soccer fans from around the world to New Jersey for the World Cup and showcase what makes the Garden State such a special place.
“This summer proved what we already knew: New Jersey is a premier destination for the world’s biggest events,” she said. “While we have not made a bid, we would welcome the opportunity to bring that energy back for the Women’s World Cup and any future agreement must recognize the value New Jersey brings to the table and deliver the best possible deal for New Jersey residents.”
Back in May, Sherrill said that “if New York is going to be a partner, then they’re going to have to put a lot more skin in the game for any future bids to really be at the table for that and that’s certainly something that should they want to join us in bidding for something then they will have to be more engaged on what they bring to the table.”
Advertisement
Though the U.S. Men’s team had an impressive showing during this summer's tournament, the women’s national team is an undisputed powerhouse of the game.
They are the most successful team in international women's soccer, with more than a dozen major tournament wins including four World Cup titles.
The team mostly recently won in France in 2019. Among the players on that championship squad were New Jersey natives Tobin Heath and Carli Lloyd.
New Jersey approved spending more than $300 million in taxpayer money to host matches this summer under a joint hosting agreement with New York City. No report has been produced yet to detail how much each host government − New Jersey and New York City/New York State − invested in the tournament and how much each host government earned back in tax dollars from tourist spending, hotel fees and the like.
That bid was submitted back in 2017. In order to secure eight matches, including the final, New Jersey had to modify MetLife Stadium to meet FIFA’s requirements.
The field’s turf surface was replaced with a grass pitch, seats were removed to allow for a wider playing surface, and other changes were implemented throughout the sports complex to accommodate the influx of fans.
This summer’s tournament had limited car access which meant fans were forced to rely on rideshare services, a shuttle bus operated by the regional host committee and New Jersey Transit.
While there was traffic, it was largely considered a success and not a repeat of the infamous 2014 Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium that had fans waiting for hours for trains and buses in frigid temperatures after the game.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: New Jersey could host 2031 Women’s World Cup | Exclusive
Source: “AOL Sports”
