Atlanta Stadium Included in 2031 Women’s World Cup Bid

FIFA’s evaluation gave the joint bid from the U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica an overall score of 4.4 out of 5, finding it met the tournament’s minimum hosting standards. Atlanta is among 20 potential host cities assessed, though final venues and event locations would be chosen later if the bid succeeds.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium received a technical score of 4.5 out of 5 and is proposed for every match category. Its roughly 71,000-seat capacity exceeds the stated minimum for an opening match and final, but the bid has not selected a stadium for either. FIFA cited the stadium’s transit access, retractable roof and experience hosting international matches. Its artificial turf would need to be replaced with natural grass; FIFA said no major construction or renovation is planned.

The bid also suggests the Fox Theatre or Woodruff Arts Center for the tournament draw, and the Georgia World Congress Center or Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for a team workshop. FIFA said more assessment is needed to confirm operational requirements.

The 2031 tournament is planned to expand from 32 teams to 48, increasing the schedule from 64 matches to 104. FIFA identified unresolved or incomplete host-city and stadium commitments as a high risk, and rated human rights and environmental protections as medium risks. Members are due to vote at an extraordinary congress on November 23. If approved, the bid’s proposed tournament dates run from mid-June to late July.