The United States is strongly positioned to co-host the 2031 Women`s World Cup with other North American countries. The United Kingdom is also expected to host the 2035 edition. FIFA announced on Thursday that these are the only bids for both tournaments.
Saturday is FIFA`s deadline for submitting bids, but no other countries are expected to apply. Countries meeting the deadline have until May 5th to finalize their bids by submitting the bidding agreement.
U.S. Soccer had previously considered hosting the 2027 Women`s World Cup but decided last year to focus on 2031. Initially, Mexico was included in the bid, and it`s still possible Mexico will host games in 2031. U.S. Soccer might also include other Concacaf nations as co-hosts, as FIFA considers expanding the 2031 tournament. FIFA is increasing the men`s World Cup to 48 teams in 2026, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and a similar expansion could happen for the women`s competition by 2031.
U.S. Soccer stated on Thursday they are excited about potentially co-hosting the 2031 FIFA Women`s World Cup with Concacaf partners. They aim to create a lasting impact, promoting women`s soccer globally and inspiring future players and fans. As FIFA decides on the number of teams, they will finalize partnerships with other Concacaf nations and plan to share more details about their vision for the 2031 tournament soon.
The U.S. has hosted the Women`s World Cup before in 1999 and 2003. The U.S. women`s national team won their second of four titles during the 1999 tournament. The 2003 edition was moved from China to the U.S. due to the SARS outbreak.
By 2031, the U.S. will have experience hosting two men`s World Cups in 1994 and 2026.
The 2035 tournament is planned as a joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. None of these nations have hosted a Women`s World Cup before, though England hosted the men`s World Cup in 1966, which they won. England also hosted the 2022 Women`s Euro, which had record attendance and viewership, indicating significant growth for women`s soccer in the UK.
England FA CEO Mark Bullingham said they are honored to be the only bidder for the 2035 Women`s World Cup and that hosting the first FIFA World Cup with home nations partners since 1966 would be special. He added that hard work is starting now to create the best possible bid by the end of the year.
FIFA will officially announce the hosts for the 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cups in the second quarter of 2026.
2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cup bid timeline
- April 5: Deadline to submit interest to host the 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cup
- May 5: Deadline to confirm interest to host the 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cup by submitting the bidding agreement
- Q2 2025: Bid workshop and observer program to take place
- Q4 2025: Deadline to submit bids to FIFA
- February 2026: FIFA to conduct site visits and inspections in bidding nations
- May 2026: FIFA to publish bid evaluation reports
- Q2 2026: Designation of bids by the FIFA Council
- Q2 2026: FIFA Council to appoint hosts for 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cups; meeting location TBD
Dominic Ashworth