The United States is strongly positioned to co-host the 2031 Women`s World Cup alongside fellow North American countries. Concurrently, the United Kingdom is anticipated to host the 2035 tournament. FIFA announced on Thursday that these are the only bids submitted for the rights to organize these two editions.
While Saturday is FIFA`s deadline for bid submissions, it appears no other nations are planning to express interest in hosting. Countries meeting the deadline must formally confirm their bids by submitting the bidding agreement by May 5th.
U.S. Soccer had previously considered bidding for the 2027 Women`s World Cup but declared last year their focus would shift to the 2031 tournament. Initially, Mexico was included in the bid, and reports last month indicated they could still co-host in 2031. However, U.S. Soccer may broaden hosting opportunities to other Concacaf nations as FIFA determines the final number of participating teams for the 2031 competition. FIFA is expanding the men`s World Cup to 48 teams starting in 2026, and a similar expansion could occur for the women`s tournament by 2031.
In a statement released on Thursday, U.S. Soccer expressed enthusiasm about potentially co-hosting the 2031 FIFA Women`s World Cup. They stated their commitment to collaborate with Concacaf partners to deliver a tournament that leaves a positive and lasting impact, promoting women`s soccer globally and inspiring future generations of players and fans. U.S. Soccer also mentioned that as FIFA finalizes the number of participating teams, they will solidify their partnership structure with other Concacaf nations and promised to share more details about their vision for the 2031 FIFA Women`s World Cup soon.
The United States has a history of hosting the Women`s World Cup, having done so 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 originally planned for China, but due to the SARS outbreak, FIFA moved it to the U.S.
By 2031, the U.S. will also have experience hosting the men`s World Cup twice, 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 previously hosted a Women`s World Cup, although England hosted the men`s World Cup in 1966, which they won. England also hosted the 2022 Women`s Euro, which achieved record attendance and viewership, indicating significant growth for women`s soccer in the UK.
England FA CEO Mark Bullingham stated they are honored to be the sole bidder for the 2035 Women`s World Cup. He noted that hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with their home nations partners would be very special, and that hard work to create the best possible bid by the end of the year is now beginning.
FIFA is expected to 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