ATLANTA — Could Atlanta host another World Cup? It’s a possibility after a bid submitted by the U.S. Soccer Federation to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Atlanta as “the principal location for the competition‑related events."
FIFA approved the joint bid submitted by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica, which received from FIFA an overall weighted score of 4.4 out of 5.
That means the proposal is submitted to the FIFA Council and the FIFA Congress, “due to having exceeded the minimum hosting requirements in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031 technical evaluation,” according to information FIFA released Wednesday.
Atlanta would be one of 20 host cities.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The U.S. Soccer Federation suggested Mercedes-Benz Stadium as a prospective site for the athletic competition to be held, pointing to its use as a venue for Atlanta United, the Atlanta Falcons and FIFA World Cup games in 2025 and 2026.
The proposal said the capacity of the stadium exceeds “the minimum requirements for an opening match and final venue.” The venue also is well connected to the airport and transportation hubs.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Channel 2 activates ‘Convoy of Care’ to help flooding survivors in north Georgia
- Man killed in crash after leading Georgia deputies on chase, authorities say
- Second administrator placed on leave after Georgia high school principal’s arrest
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has synthetic turf, which would “require conversion to natural grass, as was successfully implemented for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said.
The proposal identified Fox Theatre and Woodruff Arts Center as Final Draw locations. The organization pointed out the city’s history as a previous location for major international events, its hospitality infrastructure and good accessibility.
The bid also proposed the Georgia World Congress Center (Georgia Ballroom) and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for the Team Workshop.
The FIFA Council decided to expand the competition from 32 to 48 teams for the 2031 competition.
The next FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held in 2027 in Brazil.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]