The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica were expected to be confirmed as the hosts of the 2031 Women’s World Cup at the end of April 2026. However, FIFA has suddenly postponed plans for any imminent announcement. So, what’s the holdup?

On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell and Melanie Anzidei to dive into the long runway to the 2031 Women’s World Cup and what is going on behind the scenes at FIFA and U.S. Soccer. When will the host of the tournament be confirmed? What role do government guarantees play? What lessons will need to be learned from the 2026 Men’s World Cup? What does the departure of U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker mean for the U.S. women’s national team?

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Henry Bushnell, Melanie Anzidei

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

Matt Crocker’s abrupt U.S. Soccer departure brings many questions. Here are the answers

‘Hard to not feel scammed’: World Cup fans say FIFA misled them with ticket allocations, seat maps

U.S. 2031 Women’s World Cup bid waiting on Trump guarantees while host cities want better deal

How a $150 train ticket caused a fight between FIFA and New Jersey’s governor