On Thursday, it appeared that FIFA was on track to select the United States and the United Kingdom as hosts for the Women’s World Cups in 2031 and 2035, following the tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams.
Both nations were the only ones left in the bidding process after the initial deadline to submit bids had passed. The formal bid documents must be finalized by the end of April.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino informed European football officials that the governing body had received an official interest to host the 2031 tournament from the U.S., with the possibility of other CONCACAF countries, likely including Mexico, joining the bid.
For the 2035 event, FIFA has received just one valid bid — from the British federations, led by England, Infantino confirmed at UEFA’s annual meeting in Belgrade, Serbia.
“We are honored to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035,” said Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English FA. “Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966, alongside our home nations partners, will be incredibly special. Now, the hard work begins to create the best possible bid by year’s end.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK quickly supported the British bid last month when FIFA officially called for bids from member federations. With Europe excluded from the 2031 race, the path seemed clear for a U.S. victory.
Spanish soccer officials said last week they hoped to bid, possibly with Portugal and Morocco in a repeat of the co-hosting plan for the men’s 2030 World Cup.
Infantino’s comments to the annual meeting of UEFA seemed to rule out a Spain bid being allowed.
“So the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in ’31 and ’35 in some great countries,” the FIFA president said, “to boost even more the women’s football movement.”
FIFA is scheduled to confirm Women’s World Cup hosts next year. The 2027 edition with 32 teams is being hosted by Brazil.
The Women’s World Cup would return to the U.S. for the first time since the 2003 edition. The U.S. also hosted in 1999.
England hosted the Women’s European Championship in 2022 — which the home team won — and the men’s Euro 2028 will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Women’s soccer at 2028 LA Olympics
In a further boost for women’s soccer, Infantino detailed FIFA’s plan to have more women’s teams than men’s playing at the next Olympics.
There were just 12 teams in the women’s tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 16 in the men’s tournament.
Though the International Olympic Committee strongly supports gender equality at the games, adding four more women’s teams — and about 70 extra players, plus team officials — would push the limit of agreed athlete quotas for organizers in Los Angeles.
Infantino said on Thursday that FIFA’s new proposal is to flip the numbers to have 16 women’s teams and 12 in the men’s tournaments.
The final decision is for the IOC, which has an executive board meeting next Wednesday.
