FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested Atlanta could be central to a potential future FIFA Women’s World Cup, touting the city’s burgeoning football culture when visiting Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday.
The Club World Cup trophy was brought to the venue by Infantino, who was accompanied by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens as it is set to host six matches during — including three knockout matches — the expanded Club World Cup this summer, starting June 15 and ending July 13.
“Atlanta has truly become a soccer city,” Infantino said. “The stadium was built with the idea that both football and soccer are to be played in it, which speaks to the city’s belief in sport.”
The 2031 tournament will be the United States’ third time hosting the Women’s World Cup, after the 1999 and 2003 events. The next edition, in 2023, will be the first in which 48 teams qualify, capturing the ongoing global expansion of the women’s game.
Infantino said that Atlanta’s showing at the Club World Cup could enhance its credentials as host of the 2031 event.
“Atlanta can certainly score some points,” he said. Participating clubs will also chase a record $1 billion in prize money at the new Club World Cup.
