FIFA’s Infantino: US to Host 2031 Women’s World Cup, UK 2035/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ FIFA President Gianni Infantino suggested the United States and the United Kingdom are poised to host the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups, respectively. Both countries are the sole bidders for their targeted editions following FIFA’s initial deadline. Official host confirmations are expected in 2026.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Hosting – Quick Looks
- U.S. is sole bidder for 2031 Women’s World Cup
- UK, led by England, is lone candidate for 2035
- Bids will include expanded 48-team tournament format
- U.S. bid may include Mexico as co-host
- FIFA to confirm hosts for 2031 and 2035 in 2026
- English FA expresses honor in pursuing 2035 tournament
- Spanish interest in 2031 ruled out by Infantino
- England last hosted Women’s Euro 2022 and will co-host Men’s Euro 2028
- U.S. previously hosted Women’s World Cups in 1999 and 2003
- FIFA proposes 16 women’s teams at 2028 LA Olympics
FIFA’s Infantino: US to Host 2031 Women’s World Cup, UK 2035
Deep Look
FIFA Eyes USA for 2031 and UK for 2035 Women’s World Cups Amid Expanded Global Vision
The United States and United Kingdom appear set to host the next two expanded FIFA Women’s World Cups, with President Gianni Infantino all but confirming both bids during a UEFA meeting on Thursday. These tournaments, which will each feature 48 national teams, would represent significant milestones for women’s soccer growth in both regions.
Sole Bids Signal Clear Path to Selection
According to Infantino, the U.S. is the only nation to express formal interest in hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup, with a bid that may include Mexico and other CONCACAF partners. Likewise, the 2035 edition has just one valid bidder — the United Kingdom, with a proposal centered on England and backed by all four British federations.
FIFA’s current timeline requires formal bid documents by the end of April, with final decisions expected in 2026.
“We are honored to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035,” said Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English Football Association. “Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special.”
Europe Excluded from 2031 to Clear Path for U.S.
In a strategic move to avoid regional overlap, FIFA excluded European bids from contention for the 2031 tournament, effectively clearing the runway for the United States. This eliminates previously hinted interest from Spain, which considered a joint bid with Portugal and Morocco, mirroring their plans for the 2030 Men’s World Cup.
“So the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in ’31 and ’35 in some great countries,” Infantino said. “To boost even more the women’s football movement.”
Returning to Familiar Ground
If confirmed, the 2031 Women’s World Cup would mark the third time the United States has hosted the event, following successful editions in 1999 and 2003. The 2035 tournament would bring the event to the UK for the first time ever and follow England’s successful hosting of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, which the Lionesses won.
The region is also preparing to host the Men’s Euro 2028, co-organized by England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
Olympic Equality: FIFA Proposes Expanded Women’s Tournament in 2028
In another significant development for women’s soccer, Infantino also revealed FIFA’s proposal to reverse the current Olympic tournament structure — increasing the number of women’s teams from 12 to 16 and reducing the men’s tournament to 12 teams.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, men’s football featured 16 teams while the women’s side included only 12, despite the International Olympic Committee’s commitment to gender equality.
Adding four more women’s teams would introduce approximately 70 extra players and staff, potentially stretching the IOC’s strict athlete quota system. The final decision will rest with the IOC’s Executive Board, which meets next Wednesday.
“This would be a major milestone for women’s football globally,” Infantino said, emphasizing that the sport must reflect modern equality standards.
What Comes Next
FIFA is expected to formally announce the host nations for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups in 2026. With no competing bids on the table, the United States and United Kingdom are near-certain to be selected.
As the women’s game grows exponentially in visibility and investment, these two powerhouse nations will have the opportunity to showcase its potential on the world stage — setting the tone for the next era of global football.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.