Durrant Pate/Contributor

Jamaica’s bid to become the first Caribbean nation ever to host matches at a senior FIFA World Cup is well on its way following yesterday’s signing of certain co-host agreements.

The signed documents are now being transmitted to football’s world governing body, FIFA. Jamaica is joining the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica, as co-hosts for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking the first time a Caribbean nation will host World Cup matches.

Sports Minister, Olivia Grange, trumpeted, “With the signing, the Government of Jamaica and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) will partner with FIFA in fulfilling the responsibilities and deliverables associated with Jamaica’s hosting obligations. These include establishing legal mechanisms for guarantees, bonds, declarations .”

The signed guarantee agreements include visas, permits, immigration and check-in procedures, safety and security, waiver, indemnification and other legal issues. Minister Grange reports that  Jamaica will host three to five group stage matches, as well as one game in the round of 32. 

Arising from Jamaica being co-hosts of the 2031 women’s World Cup, plans are far advanced for major upgrades for the National Stadium to a projected capacity of around 37,500 with a fully covered design.

The Women’s World Cup has been expanded to 48-teams and will feature 12 groups. As a co-host, the national women’s team, the Reggae Girlz, secures automatic qualification to play on home soil.