The United States is strongly positioned to co-host the 2031 Women`s World Cup alongside other North American countries. The United Kingdom is anticipated to host the subsequent tournament in 2035. FIFA announced on Thursday that these were the only bids submitted for the rights to host both events.
While Saturday is the deadline for submitting bids to host either competition, it appears no other nations are planning to express interest. Countries meeting Saturday`s 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. Their initial bid included Mexico, and it is still possible that Mexico will co-host games in 2031. U.S. Soccer may also extend hosting opportunities to other Concacaf nations as FIFA determines the final number of teams participating in the 2031 competition. FIFA has already expanded the men`s World Cup to 48 teams for the 2026 edition, 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 the prospect of co-hosting the 2031 FIFA Women`s World Cup. They stated their commitment to working with Concacaf partners to deliver a tournament that creates a lasting positive impact, elevates women`s soccer globally, and inspires future generations of players and fans. U.S. Soccer also mentioned they are awaiting FIFA`s final decision on the number of participating teams to finalize 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 U.S. 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 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 edition 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 broke attendance and viewership records and marked a significant period of 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 they are now beginning the work to develop 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 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
