MIAMI, 16 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Cindy Parlow Cone, president of the US Soccer Federation, has been elected to the FIFA Council following a vote at the congress of the regional governing body, CONCACAF.
Parlow Cone secured the position as the North America representative, becoming one of five members from CONCACAF on FIFA’s ruling council.
Additionally, Randy Harris of Barbados was elected as the Caribbean representative, while Sonia Fulford of the Turks and Caicos Islands was selected as the women’s representative. All three officials were elected unopposed during CONCACAF’s 40th Ordinary Congress, held in St. Lucia on Saturday.
The two remaining seats on the council are held by CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and Central America’s representative, Rodolfo Villalobos of Costa Rica.
“I am honoured to be elected to represent US Soccer, North America, and CONCACAF on the FIFA Council. I look forward to continuing our work at a global level to advance our initiatives and strengthen our region’s position on the world stage,” Parlow Cone said in a statement.
Parlow Cone has been at the helm of US Soccer since March 2020, having previously served as the organisation’s vice-president. A former US Women’s National Team player, she earned 158 caps for her country and later transitioned into coaching, leading the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Her tenure has seen several structural and leadership changes within the federation. Under her stewardship, US Soccer has appointed J.T. Batson as CEO and Secretary General, Matt Crocker as Sporting Director, and Emma Hayes as head coach of the women’s national team. Recently, former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino was appointed to lead the men’s squad into the 2026 World Cup.
As the USA, alongside Mexico and Canada, prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Parlow Cone faces an election to retain her presidency. Additionally, US Soccer is relocating its headquarters from Chicago to Atlanta, where a state-of-the-art national training centre is under development.
Context & Related Information:
- The FIFA Council serves as the principal decision-making body of world football’s governing body, setting policies and overseeing FIFA’s operations.
- The USA, Mexico, and Canada’s joint hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the first time the tournament is held across three nations.
- Emma Hayes’ appointment as head coach of the US Women’s National Team is a landmark move, as she is one of the most successful managers in women’s football, previously leading Chelsea to multiple league titles.
- The move to Atlanta signifies a significant shift for US Soccer, aligning with the city’s increasing influence in American football infrastructure.