U.S. women athletes competing in 2027 World Cup will receive equal pay and benefits thanks to Cantwell’s new law

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined a bipartisan, bicameral concurrent resolution in support of the United States Soccer Federation's bid for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, which would be hosted jointly by the United States and Mexico. Seattle is one of 11 proposed U.S. host cities in the bid.

“As one of the world’s great soccer cities, Seattle is an ideal host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This resolution is an important step to demonstrate nationwide support for the joint U.S. / Mexico Women’s World Cup bid. And because of my Equal Pay for Team USA Law, women representing Team USA in this World Cup – and all future World Cups – will receive equal pay and benefits.”

“We are incredibly thankful for the support from Congress for the U.S. Soccer’s New Heights Bid to bring the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup to the United States and Mexico. Women’s soccer has seen increased investments and groundbreaking achievements in revenue, viewership, and participation across the globe. Our joint bid not only promises to set attendance and financial records but also underscores our commitment to gender equality by hosting back-to-back Men's and Women's World Cups. The financial success we can generate by hosting the Women’s World Cup will also have an incredible impact on women’s soccer across the globe. Our vision is to have the proceeds garnered from the tournament thoughtfully distributed to every Federation, thus propelling the advancement of the women’s game and fostering a sustained impact on the growth and development of women's soccer. We are confident the United States and Mexico can host the largest women's sporting event in history, fostering international goodwill, and inspiring young players worldwide and showcasing limitless possibilities in women's soccer," said U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone.

In June 2022, Seattle was named one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. That tournament – the first to include an expanded field of 48 teams – will be held in June and July 2026.

Sen. Cantwell serves as Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over sports. She is leading the resolution along with U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), along with U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.). The resolution highlights efforts to bring the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup to the United States and Mexico and the positive impact hosting the tournament would have on the United States. The full text of the resolution is available HERE.

Sen. Cantwell was a strong supporter of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s efforts to achieve equal pay. Along with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Sen. Cantwell spearheaded the final passage of the Equal Pay for Team USA Act, which was signed into law by President Biden on January 5, 2023. The law requires that all athletes representing the United States in global athletic competitions, like the Olympics and World Cups, receive equal compensation and benefits in their sport, regardless of gender. The law also requires equal payment for medical care, travel and other expenses.