The United States is expected to co-host the 2031 Women`s World Cup with other North American countries. The United Kingdom is also set to host the 2035 tournament. FIFA announced on Thursday that these are the only bids to host these two events.
Saturday is the deadline for countries to officially bid for the hosting rights. Currently, no other nations are expected to express interest. Countries that meet the deadline have until May 5th to confirm their bids by submitting the required bidding agreement.
U.S. Soccer had considered hosting the 2027 Women`s World Cup but decided last year to focus on the 2031 tournament instead. Initially, Mexico was part of the bid, and it`s still possible they will host games in 2031. The U.S. might also include other Concacaf nations as co-hosts, as FIFA is considering expanding the number of teams for the 2031 tournament. FIFA has already expanded the men`s World Cup to 48 teams for the 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. A similar expansion could happen for the women`s competition by 2031.
U.S. Soccer released a statement on Thursday expressing their excitement about potentially co-hosting the 2031 FIFA Women`s World Cup with Concacaf partners. They stated their commitment to creating a tournament that will have a positive impact, promote women`s soccer globally, and inspire future generations of players and fans. They also mentioned that as FIFA finalizes the number of participating teams, they will finalize their partnerships with other Concacaf nations and will share more details about their plans for the 2031 Women`s World Cup 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 event was originally planned for China but was moved 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 bid is a joint effort by 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 broke attendance and viewership records, indicating significant growth for women`s soccer in the UK.
Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English FA, stated they are honored to be the only bidder for the 2035 Women`s World Cup. He mentioned that hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with their home nations partners would be special and that they are starting to work hard to prepare 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.
Timeline for 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cup Bids
- April 5: Deadline to express interest in hosting
- May 5: Deadline to confirm interest by submitting the bidding agreement
- Q2 2025: Bid workshop and observer program
- Q4 2025: Deadline to submit bids to FIFA
- February 2026: FIFA site visits and inspections in bidding nations
- May 2026: FIFA to publish bid evaluation reports
- Q2 2026: FIFA Council designation of bids
- Q2 2026: FIFA Council to appoint hosts for 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cups
