8 countries stay in FIFA race to host 2023 Women’s World Cup

FILE – In this July 7, 2019, file photo, the United States team celebrates with the trophy after winning the Women’s World Cup final soccer match against the Netherlands in Decines, France. Across the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), attendance overall is up about 15 percent this year, with the most dramatic upward swings coming after U.S. national team’s victory this summer at the World Cup in France. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

ZURICH — Eight countries have stayed in the bidding contest to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup, with Belgium and Bolivia dropping out.

FIFA says it has sent “the updated bidding and hosting documents” to the eight member federations. They must file detailed bid plans for the first 32-team tournament by Dec. 13.

The eight are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea.

The Korean bid could yet be a joint project with North Korea.

FIFA says all candidates will be inspected in January and February ahead of a FIFA Council vote expected in May.