“As part of the bidding process, we received one bid for ‘31… from the United States of America.” These words from FIFA President Gianni Infantino were music to the ears of the entire U.S. After all, hosting such a major tournament, that too, for the third time, is nothing but great news for the nation. Yet, uncertainty still surrounds the process and whether the four-time World Champions will actually have the honor of hosting. Fortunately, U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone had some crucial updates to share.

Ever since news of the potential U.S. bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup emerged earlier in April, there hasn’t been any significant update. While it’s true that these things take time, especially with the tournament still years away, much of America is already picturing the nation as the future host.

So, even though the U.S. remains the sole bidder, RE—INC podcast hosts Tobin Heath and Christen Press didn’t hesitate to bluntly ask Cindy Parlow Cone for assurance that things wouldn’t take an unexpected turn. And vocally, Parlow had a clear response when asked if the U.S. would get the 2031 World Cup, confidently saying, “Yes. In my brain, yes,” during their latest discussion.

“Our bid is actually due at the end of this month,” further added Parlow. Hysterically, this saw Heath jokingly ask the USSF president how she did, whether she gave her all to put forth the best bid proposal or not. Interestingly, Cindy jokingly replied, “No, I did the worst job I could.”

Curiosity grew even more when Heath asked the two-time Olympic gold medalist to explain exactly how the bidding process works. Not only was it a significant question, but Parlow Cone’s answer certainly lived up to it. “FIFA puts bid requirements together. So this first part of the bid is basically our intention to bid and basically putting together all the things that we’d like to go and do,” explained the president.

“If there’s a competitive bid put in, then there will be a vote. I’m guessing, they haven’t even announced it, but it will either be in December or next May,” added Cindy. When further questioned if she knew any other potential bidders, the 1999 World Cup champion replied, “I honestly don’t know. I don’t know if there will be another bid or not. I’m hoping not because that makes it a little bit easier.”

Clearly, the US Soccer Federation is hoping to avoid any kind of competition from other interested parties for the 2031 World Cup. Then again, the most crucial talking point is the fact that the States is most likely a strong contender to make their bid. Notably, next year sees them host the 2026 Men’s World Cup, followed by the 2028 LA Olympics. In fact, in the coming months, we would be seeing the nation become home to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup schedule.

Even though one could argue how difficult it might be to host all these major competitions back-to-back, the U.S. remains optimistic and is more than willing to accept the 2031 hosting rights. And why wouldn’t they, considering the news has already sent many into ‘dreamland’?

Cindy Parlow gets a special ‘credit’ over making 2031 intentions clear

After the news broke, Emma Hayes expressed her enthusiasm to learn all\ about the potential deal of the American ladies playing the 2031 World Cup on its own turf. “Dreamland I think for us to know that there’ll be a World Cup coming to these shores,” said the former Chelsea boss as compiled by The Athletic.

The 48-year-old insisted that given how the USSF is already working to create an infrastructure for next year’s men’s tournament, it will be easier for them to host the women’s World Cup as well—something which they did last time in 1999 and then in 2003.

“I don’t know what that will look like beyond what we’ll do in this country, but I think real credit goes to (U.S. Soccer CEO) JT (Batson) and (U.S. Soccer president) Cindy (Parlow Cone) for the work they’ve done on that bid,” added Hayes.

It’s unclear whether the former WSL manager will stick around in the States till that time. However, having signed a multi-year contract — though the exact length remains undisclosed — it’s only befitting to expect the English coach to guide the U.S. women into what would be her second major tournament following the 2027 edition.