Jamaica is reportedly set to make history at the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup with high-level discussions currently taking place around the possibility of the island hosting matches in the tournament, which will be hosted mainly by the United States and Mexico.

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Michael Ricketts, though not giving away much, confirmed interest to the Jamaica Observer and noted that a formal announcement will be made in New York this month.

Ricketts believes the federation’s efforts towards the development of the women’s football programme strengthens Jamaica’s case to host matches.

“I can give you a hint, an announcement will be made on the 20th. Yes, we are [looking to host matches in the FIFA Women’s World Cup], to be honest. We will make a formal announcement in New York on the 20th of this month. It is for the 2031 tournament,” Ricketts offered, when quizzed.

The 2031 tournament will be Concacaf’s fourth time hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Jamaica’s involvement as a host could see it become the first Caribbean nation to stage a senior World Cup match.

Beside’s Jamaica’s likely involvement as a host, it is expected that other Concacaf nations may be announced as joining main co-hosts the United States and Mexico in staging matches.

The Reggae Girlz, who competed in the World Cup in 2019 and 2023; advancing to the Round of 16 at the latter staging, will, in November, begin their bid for a third-straight appearance on the biggest stage at the Concacaf W Qualifiers — the preliminary stage of the 2026 Concacaf W Championships, which is the region’s qualifying event for the 2026 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.

Ricketts pointed to the steady growth of Jamaica’s women’s football over the past decade, highlighting both administrative investment and on-field success.

“When we took office, our women’s team was ranked 119th and now we are ranked in the 40s,” Ricketts noted. “We were always intent, our agenda was one single item and that was to grow football, and we have been able to do that.”

“We have qualified two senior women’s teams consecutively and we are going for our third, and we have put plans in place to ensure we give that programme a shot in the arm as well,” Ricketts explained.

“We go to Trinidad at the end of this month for a friendly game and then the qualifying process starts on the 27th of November, and I think we go to Dominica for that first game,” Ricketts added.

He described Jamaica’s continued progress as the product of teamwork and faith.

“So we would have done very well, and I must say thanks to those persons who would have given so much for the growth and development of football,” he said.

Jamaica’s interest in hosting matches in 2031 is reportedly being supported by the Jamaican Government and comes as the Andrew Holness-led Administration advances plans to redevelop the National Stadium — a project that could serve as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s hosting ambitions.

The upgraded facility is expected to meet international standards, making it suitable for major tournaments with plans to improve seating, lighting, media, medical and anti-doping infrastructure, while adding green spaces, a tiered parking facility, lounges and other amenities to the venue, which will seat 37,500 fans when completed.

The rehabilitation work, which will start in 2026, is expected to be completed in 2029.

Jamaica’s goalscorer Allyson Swaby (right) and teammates (from left) Drew Spence, Deneisha Blackwood and Atlanta Primus celebrate the team’s first goal versus Panama during the Women’s World Cup Group F football match at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Australia on July 29, 2023. Jamaica is bidding to host matches at the 2031 tournament, which will be hosted mainly by the United States and Mexico. (Photo: AFP)

Jamaica forward Khadija Shaw (left) and Italy midfielder Manuela Giugliano vie for possession during the France 2019 Women’s World Cup Group C match at the Auguste-Delaune Stadium in Reims, eastern France, on June 14, 2019. (Photo: AFP)

RICKETTS… I can give you a hint, an announcement will be made on the 20th.