The United States is strongly positioned to host the 2031 Women`s World Cup in collaboration with other North American countries. The United Kingdom is also anticipated to host the 2035 tournament. FIFA announced on Thursday that these were the only bids submitted for the rights to both competitions.
While Saturday is the deadline for submitting official bids to FIFA, no other nations are expected to express interest. Countries meeting the Saturday deadline will have until May 5th to formally confirm their bids by submitting the required 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, the bid included Mexico, and it remains possible that Mexico will co-host games in 2031. U.S. Soccer may also expand hosting opportunities to other Concacaf nations as FIFA considers increasing the number of participating teams for the 2031 tournament. Following the expansion of the men`s World Cup to 48 teams for the 2026 edition (co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada), a similar expansion could be implemented for the women`s competition by 2031.
In a statement released on Thursday, U.S. Soccer expressed enthusiasm for potentially co-hosting the 2031 FIFA Women`s World Cup with Concacaf partners. They emphasized their commitment to creating a tournament that leaves a positive impact, promotes women`s soccer globally, and inspires future generations of players and fans. U.S. Soccer also stated that they will finalize their partnership structure with other Concacaf nations as FIFA determines the final number of participating teams. They plan to share more details and their complete vision for the 2031 FIFA Women`s World Cup soon.
The United States has hosted the Women`s World Cup twice 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 originally planned for China but was moved to the U.S. by FIFA due to the SARS outbreak.
By 2031, the U.S. will also have the experience of hosting the men`s World Cup twice, in 1994 and 2026.
The 2035 tournament is expected to be a joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While none of these nations have previously hosted a Women`s World Cup, 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 attendance and viewership, marking a significant period of growth for women`s soccer in the UK.
England FA CEO Mark Bullingham stated that 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 they are now focused on developing the best possible bid by the end of the year.
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 for countries to express interest in hosting the 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cup
- May 5: Deadline to confirm interest and submit the bidding agreement for the 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cup
- 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 publishes bid evaluation reports
- Q2 2026: FIFA Council designation of bids
- Q2 2026: FIFA Council appointment of hosts for 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cups; meeting location to be determined
