KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda has hailed Jamaica’s inclusion in a historic joint bid with the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica to host matches at the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, describing it as a transformative step for the island’s sporting identity and a powerful statement of ambition.
A landmark moment for Jamaican football
In a rousing statement following FIFA’s announcement of the multi-nation bid, Samuda said Jamaica’s participation “may not be a haul in strict football terms, but I tell you, for Jamaica, its bid with the USA, Costa Rica, and Mexico to host games of the Women’s World Cup is a quadruple shot of class.”
He framed the move as a defining moment not just for football but for the island’s broader sporting vision — an acknowledgment of the growth, grit, and grace of Jamaica’s women’s program, which has broken barriers on and off the field in recent years.
“This is the screamer that Jamaica has always wanted to score to complement the admirable successes that our women and the female programme have earned, and our men have achieved,” Samuda declared.
A visionary step forward
The joint bid — the first of its kind involving four Concacaf nations — is expected to strengthen regional ties and elevate the women’s game across the Americas. Should it succeed, it would mark Jamaica’s first time hosting matches at a FIFA Women’s World Cup and position the island as the smallest nation ever to play such a role in the global spectacle.
Samuda praised the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and its president, Michael Ricketts, for their leadership and foresight in aligning with larger footballing nations while ensuring Jamaica remains part of the international conversation.
“I congratulate our member, the Jamaica Football Federation, and their partners and applaud the Michael Ricketts-led federation for a visionary move that undoubtedly will give Jamaica more capital and brand value,” Samuda said.
Elevating the Jamaican brand
For the JOA president, the bid signifies more than the promise of hosting world-class matches — it represents Jamaica’s growing stature as a sporting nation capable of delivering on the biggest stages.
He underscored that this collaboration with North and Central American partners will deepen Jamaica’s global footprint, attract greater investment in local infrastructure, and inspire a new generation of athletes, particularly women.
Samuda emphasized that the JOA sees football’s expansion as a natural complement to the island’s broader sporting ambitions, reinforcing Jamaica’s reputation as a land of excellence and innovation.
Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028 and beyond
Linking the bid to Jamaica’s broader Olympic aspirations, Samuda expressed optimism that the nation’s sporting trajectory will continue to ascend through the remainder of the decade.
“My earnest hope is that Jamaica will be in LA in 2028 for the Olympic Games as a precursor to our arrival in 2031,” he said, suggesting that the Women’s World Cup could serve as a symbolic continuation of Jamaica’s international sporting journey.
His remarks echo the JOA’s long-standing emphasis on building institutional capacity, athlete empowerment, and brand development — pillars he believes will position Jamaica not only as a participant but as a host and influencer in global sport.
A future defined by vision and legacy
As the world turns its attention to the 2031 Women’s World Cup process, Samuda’s comments capture both the pride and the promise of a nation determined to convert opportunity into legacy.
For Jamaica, the bid represents far more than a footballing milestone — it is a declaration of intent, an investment in future generations, and a reaffirmation of the island’s belief that its sporting spirit knows no borders.
 President Christopher Samuda has hailed Jamaica’s bid to host matches at the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.){kind=link}