By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica has officially entered the global race to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, taking a significant step forward in a landmark joint-candidacy effort. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) confirmed on Friday that it has received the ambitious four-nation bid, which unites Costa Rica with regional powerhouses the United States, Mexico, and Jamaica in a powerful statement of CONCACAF unity.
This collaborative proposal aims to bring the world’s premier women’s football tournament to the Americas, leveraging the diverse cultures, passionate fan bases, and existing infrastructure of the four nations. The bid represents a strategic move to build on the momentum of women’s sports across the continent and follows the successful collaborative model of the men’s 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
To better understand the legal and commercial complexities surrounding a potential bid for the Women’s World Cup 2031, we sought the perspective of a specialist. We spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his expert analysis.
Hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup represents a monumental opportunity, but it demands rigorous legal and financial preparation. Beyond the initial investment in infrastructure, any bidding nation must navigate FIFA’s stringent contractual obligations, which cover everything from intellectual property rights and broadcasting licenses to tax exemptions and security protocols. A successful bid hinges on demonstrating not just the capacity to host, but the legal framework to protect FIFA’s commercial partners and guarantee a seamless, profitable tournament.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert insight is a vital reminder that any successful World Cup bid goes far beyond stadiums and national enthusiasm; it is fundamentally a complex legal and business undertaking. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this crucial perspective on the demanding road ahead.
With the formal submission now complete, the clock starts on a demanding and comprehensive evaluation period. FIFA has outlined a meticulous process that will scrutinize every aspect of the proposal, ensuring the chosen host can deliver a world-class event. The global football governing body is set to conduct a rigorous assessment over the next several months, with its findings scheduled to be published in a detailed evaluation report in April 2026.
The final decision, which will determine the fate of the 2031 tournament, is slated to be announced on April 30, 2026, in Vancouver, Canada. This announcement will be the culmination of months of intense lobbying, detailed planning, and strategic presentations from all competing bids worldwide. For the CONCACAF nations, the journey to that date will be a test of their collective vision and organizational prowess.
According to FIFA’s official regulations, the evaluation framework is built upon several critical pillars. The bidding nations will be judged on their overarching vision for the tournament, the quality and readiness of their infrastructure—including stadiums, training facilities, and transportation—and the range of services available for teams, officials, and fans. These technical components will be assessed through an objective scoring system designed to quantify each bid’s capabilities.
Beyond the technical scores, FIFA will also heavily weigh the commercial viability of the bid, examining revenue projections and marketing strategies. Furthermore, in a reflection of modern sporting values, the proposal will face intense scrutiny regarding its commitment to sustainability and human rights. These criteria ensure that the tournament leaves a positive and lasting legacy that extends far beyond the final whistle.
For Costa Rica, participation in this mega-bid is a monumental opportunity. While being the smallest of the four partners, the nation brings unique strengths, including its global reputation for environmental stewardship, political stability, and a deeply ingrained passion for football. The successful hosting of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2022 serves as a powerful proof of concept, demonstrating the country’s capacity to manage a major international tournament and welcome the world with its signature “Pura Vida” hospitality.
Should the four-nation bid prove successful, the economic and social benefits for Costa Rica could be transformative. The event would trigger significant investment in infrastructure, create jobs, and provide a substantial boost to the tourism sector. More importantly, it would serve as a powerful inspiration for a new generation of female athletes, cementing football’s role as a tool for empowerment and national pride. The path ahead is challenging, but the submission itself marks a bold new chapter for Costa Rican football on the world stage.
For further information, visit fifa.com
About FIFA:
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, its membership comprises 211 national associations. FIFA is responsible for the organization and promotion of football’s major international tournaments, most notably the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica has built its reputation on an uncompromising foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions while championing initiatives that bridge the gap between complex law and the public. This core tenet of demystifying legal concepts is central to its mission: to equip citizens with knowledge, thereby strengthening the very fabric of an educated and capable society.
