In a coordinated move that signals growing unease with Fifa’s governance, the Football Association (FA) and the US Soccer Federation have joined forces to lobby for greater local authority over the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups. The two federations are pushing for a revised organisational model that would give host nations more say in crucial areas such as ticketing, commercial rights, and financial arrangements, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The lobbying effort stems directly from concerns that have surfaced during the preparation for this summer’s men’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. High ticket prices and financial disputes between Fifa and several US state and city authorities have sparked controversy, leading the FA and US Soccer to argue that a top-down Fifa-led model risks alienating local stakeholders and fans.
“The issues arising from the men’s World Cup organisation have made it clear that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work,” one federation insider said. “For the Women’s World Cup, which is still growing its commercial footprint, we need a structure that allows host nations to respond to local market conditions and keep the tournament accessible.”
The FA and US Soccer are understood to be seeking a hybrid model where host associations retain significant control over ticket pricing, venue selection, and the distribution of revenues. They argue that the current Fifa blueprint for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups mirrors the men’s format too closely, failing to account for the different scale and audience of the women’s game.
This push comes as the FA has been proactively working with Uefa to freeze ticket prices for the 2028 European Championship, a measure widely praised for enhancing fan affordability. The FA believes that such fan-first policies should be replicated in the Women’s World Cup, especially as interest in women’s football continues to surge globally.
“The Euro 2028 ticket freeze shows that it is possible to host a major tournament without pricing out ordinary supporters,” an FA representative said. “We want Fifa to learn from that example and ensure the Women’s World Cup remains inclusive and financially viable for host nations.”
The US Soccer Federation, which will be a key host for the 2031 Women’s World Cup if the joint bid with Mexico succeeds, has been particularly vocal about the need for local control. US Soccer officials have privately expressed frustration with Fifa’s rigid demands during the 2026 men’s World Cup planning, including mandated stadium upgrades and draconian sponsorship restrictions.
“Allowing host federations more autonomy would not only improve fan experience but also reduce the financial risks for local organisers,” a US Soccer strategist noted. “The Women’s World Cup is an opportunity to innovate, not to repeat past mistakes.”
The implications for the future of the Women’s World Cup are significant. If Fifa accedes to the demands, it could set a precedent for how future editions are run, potentially devolving power away from world football’s governing body and toward national associations. This would mark a sharp departure from the centralised control that has characterised both men’s and women’s tournaments in recent decades.
However, Fifa has so far resisted these calls, arguing that a unified model ensures consistency and commercial value. The organisation is known to be wary of ceding control, especially as the Women’s World Cup enjoys rising broadcast and sponsorship revenues. The 2023 edition in Australia and New Zealand was a commercial success, and Fifa is eager to maintain its hold on the tournament’s growth.
Analysts say the outcome of this lobbying effort will depend on whether the FA and US Soccer can rally support from other federations. Some European and Asian associations have privately expressed sympathy with the call for more local control, but others remain loyal to Fifa’s centralised approach.
“The real test will come at the next Fifa Council meeting,” said one governance expert. “If the FA and US Soccer can build a coalition, they might force a compromise. But Fifa is not likely to give up its power without a fight.”
The debate also highlights a broader tension in international football governance: the balance between global consistency and local flexibility. As women’s football grows, host nations are increasingly demanding a seat at the table, and the 2031 and 2035 World Cups could become a battleground for that principle.
For now, the FA and US Soccer are preparing detailed proposals for Fifa, backed by data on ticket pricing, fan surveys, and financial models from recent tournaments. They hope to present their case later this year, before the official bidding process begins.
Based on reporting from Football | The Guardian.