The U.S. women's national team has received some powerful backing in the fight for equal pay.
Senator Joe Manchin on Tuesday introduced a bill to the U.S. Senate that, if passed, would see the federal government withhold funding for the 2026 World Cup until U.S. Soccer “agrees to provide equitable pay” to both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams.
The bill calls for the cutting of any funding that would be used to support the World Cup, including "host cities, participating local and state organizations, the U.S. Soccer Federation, Concacaf and FIFA.”
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Manchin credits West Virginia University coach Nikki Izzo-Brown with bringing the issue to his attention and is hoping to create a "level playing field for all.