U.S. to host 2031 Women’s World Cup, FIFA confirms.
U.S. Soccer has made headlines with its decision to bid unopposed for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, a move that signals an exciting era for women’s soccer in America. FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently stated that the “path” is clear for the United States to host this prestigious tournament, which may expand to include 48 teams. This potential increase in team participation could lead to a richer, more diverse competition.
FIFA’s Formalities and Expectations
Although the U.S. must still secure a vote at the FIFA Congress next year—comprising representatives from 211 national soccer federations—it is largely considered a formality. Previous votes, such as those for the 2030 and 2034 Men’s World Cups, experienced similar dynamics, rendering them little more than a procedural step in FIFA’s centralized planning.
However, the details linger, notably whether the U.S. bid might incorporate games in other Central American and Caribbean nations. Reports suggest U.S. Soccer and CONCACAF counterparts are considering a “regional bid,” which could spark excitement across the entire region.
Key Details on the Bid
Infantino, at a recent gathering of European soccer officials, confirmed that the sole bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup is from the United States, while a joint bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup is championed by the United Kingdom. Formal bidding documents are due by the end of April, giving the U.S. plenty of time to finalize its structure and strategy for the event.
The Landscape for Hosting the Tournament
Despite discussions about including other countries, it’s highly likely that the bulk of the 2031 Women’s World Cup matches will take place in the United States, just five years after a significant portion of the 2026 Men’s World Cup matches are hosted here. While Canada and Mexico will co-host that tournament, they may have a smaller role in the Women’s World Cup, with a few games possibly staged in their territory.
The U.S. Soccer Federation will release a comprehensive bid book by the end of the year, outlining its vision for the tournament. Instead of facing competition from other nations, it will collaborate closely with FIFA, who will negotiate with cities and stadiums to finalize a dozen potential venues for the competition.
Fan Engagement and Economic Opportunities
With a forward-thinking approach, U.S. Soccer aims to enhance the economic benefits of hosting by forging a cooperative model with local partners and stakeholders, thereby pushing forward the women’s game. This integrated partnership offers significant advantages over previous paradigms, where FIFA largely controlled the flow of revenue and benefits. U.S. Soccer’s commitment to involve local cities and stadiums reflects an understanding of the need for a sustainable model that benefits all parties involved.
FIFA’s Decision-Making Process
FIFA’s decision to favor a U.S. bid appears orchestrated to capitalize on the financial potential of the U.S. market. The governing body imposed limitations on who could host the tournament—a move that has left many other countries, including South Africa and Japan, disappointed and without a path to participate. Infantino has described the upcoming Women’s World Cups as opportunities not to be missed, emphasizing their role in advancing women’s football on a global scale.
Expansion Plans for the Women’s World Cup
In perhaps the most transformative news, Infantino indicated plans to expand the Women’s World Cup to include 48 teams, a notable increase from the current 32. This expansion would allow more nations to participate and enhance the competitive landscape of the tournament. Such changes would be discussed by the FIFA Council and could potentially be ratified as early as next month during their annual meeting. This reflects FIFA’s ongoing commitment to promoting women’s soccer worldwide.
As these developments unfold, one can only anticipate the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the 2031 Women’s World Cup. For more official updates, visit FIFA’s official page.
