The United States is on track to co-host the 2031 Women`s World Cup with other North American countries. The United Kingdom is expected to host the 2035 edition. FIFA has confirmed that these are currently the only bids for both tournaments.
The deadline for submitting bids to host either competition is Saturday, but no other nations are expected to express interest. Countries that meet Saturday`s deadline will have until May 5th to confirm their bids by submitting the bidding agreement.
U.S. Soccer had previously considered hosting the 2027 Women`s World Cup but decided last year to focus on the 2031 tournament. The initial bid included Mexico, and it`s been confirmed that Mexico could still host games in 2031. U.S. Soccer might also expand hosting to other Concacaf nations as FIFA determines the number of teams for the 2031 tournament. 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 happen for the women`s competition by 2031.
U.S. Soccer stated their excitement about potentially co-hosting the 2031 FIFA Women`s World Cup with Concacaf partners. They are committed to delivering a tournament that creates a lasting impact, elevates women`s soccer globally, and inspires future generations. As FIFA finalizes the number of participating teams, they will solidify their partnership structure with fellow Concacaf nations and share more details about their vision for the 2031 FIFA 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 competition. The 2003 edition was moved to the U.S. from China due to the SARS outbreak.
By 2031, the U.S. will have the experience of hosting two men`s World Cups in 1994 and 2026.
The 2035 edition is planned as a joint effort by England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. None of these nations have hosted a Women`s World Cup before, although England hosted the men`s World Cup in 1966, where they won their only title. England also hosted the 2022 Women`s Euro, which broke attendance and viewership records, indicating significant growth for women`s soccer in the UK.
England FA CEO Mark Bullingham expressed honor in being the sole bidder for the Women`s World Cup 2035. Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with their home nations partners will be special, and they are starting work to create the best possible bid.
FIFA will officially confirm 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 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
- May 2026: FIFA bid evaluation reports publication
- Q2 2026: Bids designation by the FIFA Council
- Q2 2026: FIFA Council to appoint hosts for 2031 and 2035 Women`s World Cups
Adrian Whitmore