It is highly anticipated that the United States will be a co-host for the 2031 Women`s World Cup, potentially collaborating with other nations from North America. Simultaneously, the United Kingdom is positioned to host the 2035 tournament. FIFA announced on Thursday that these are the only bids submitted for the rights to organize both prestigious events.
While the deadline for submitting bids to host either competition is set for Saturday, it appears no other countries are planning to express their interest. Nations meeting Saturday`s deadline will have until May 5th to formally confirm their bids by submitting the necessary bidding agreement.
U.S. Soccer had previously considered bidding for the 2027 Women`s World Cup but decided last year to focus on the 2031 tournament instead. Initially, Mexico was included in the bid, and reports last month confirmed that Mexico could still co-host matches in 2031. However, U.S. Soccer may extend hosting opportunities to other Concacaf countries as FIFA determines the final number of teams participating in the 2031 competition. FIFA is expanding the men`s World Cup to 48 teams starting in 2026, which is co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and a similar expansion could be implemented for the women`s tournament by 2031.
In a statement released on Thursday, U.S. Soccer expressed enthusiasm about co-hosting the 2031 FIFA Women`s World Cup. They stated their commitment to working with Concacaf partners to deliver a tournament that leaves a significant legacy, promotes women`s soccer globally, and inspires future generations of players and fans. As FIFA finalizes the number of participating teams, U.S. Soccer will finalize their partnership structure with fellow 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 the experience of hosting two men`s World Cups, in 1994 and 2026.
The 2035 edition is planned as a joint effort between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While none of these nations have hosted a Women`s World Cup before, England hosted the men`s World Cup in 1966, where they won their only title. England also hosted the 2022 Women`s Euro, which achieved record-breaking 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 and that hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with their home nations partners would be very special. He added that the work to prepare the best possible bid by the end of the year starts now.
FIFA is expected to officially announce the hosts for the 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cups in the second quarter of 2026.
Timeline for 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cup Bids
- April 5: Deadline for submitting interest to host the 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cups
- May 5: Deadline for confirming interest by submitting the bidding agreement
- Q2 2025: Bid workshop and observer program
- Q4 2025: Deadline for submitting bids to FIFA
- February 2026: FIFA 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
