USA set to host 2031 Women’s World Cup with Concacaf.
The Upcoming Women’s World Cup Landscape: 2031 and 2035 Editions
In an exciting development for women’s football, FIFA has confirmed that the United States will co-host the 2031 Women’s World Cup alongside other North American nations. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has been designated to host the subsequent edition in 2035. This announcement marks a significant moment in the evolution of women’s football, corroborating the sport’s growing prominence on the global stage.
Timelines and Bidding Process
FIFA has set a strict timeline for nations interested in hosting these prestigious tournaments. The initial submission deadline for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups is April 5, with countries needing to confirm their bids and submit agreements by May 5. This structured process ensures that only serious contenders are allowed to enter the race, thus elevating the level of competition for hosting rights.
Later milestones include a bid workshop and observer program anticipated in Q2 2025, with final submissions due in Q4 2025. A comprehensive evaluation process will involve site visits by FIFA representatives, who are slated to release bid evaluation reports by May 2026. The FIFA Council will announce the host nations in the second quarter of 2026, making it a momentous year for women’s football.
The U.S. Shift Towards 2031
U.S. Soccer previously aimed for the 2027 Women’s World Cup before shifting its focus to the 2031 tournament. This decision allows for a more refined bid, increasing the chances of success. Given the U.S.’s rich history in hosting major tournaments—having previously hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1999 and 2003, along with two men’s World Cups in 1994 and 2026—this experience offers a solid foundation for management and organization.
FIFA’s decision to expand the men’s World Cup format from 32 to 48 teams could very well influence the women’s tournament as well. This prospect has made discussions around the number of teams participating in the 2031 edition particularly intriguing, as the U.S. navigates partnerships with neighboring countries like Mexico and Canada, and possibly expanding to include other Concacaf members.
The U.K.’s 2035 Bid: Emphasis on Collaboration
The U.K. will see a collaborative effort between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland when it hosts the 2035 Women’s World Cup. Notably, this will be the first Women’s World Cup in the U.K., although England hosted the men’s equivalent in 1966—a proud moment in its footballing history. As the women’s game gains traction, following the record attendance and viewership during the 2022 Women’s Euro hosted in England, this upcoming tournament stands to further galvanize support and interest at home.
Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English Football Association, expressed optimism about this opportunity. “We are honored to be the sole bidder for the Women’s World Cup 2035. Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special,” he stated, indicating a commitment to excellence and collaboration among the nations involved.
Legacy and Impact of the Women’s World Cup
Hosting the Women’s World Cup is not merely about the tournament itself; it aims to create a legacy that elevates women’s soccer on a global scale. U.S. Soccer highlighted this objective in its statement regarding the 2031 tournament. The goal is to leave a lasting impression that inspires future generations of female players and fans alike, thus contributing to the overarching growth of the sport.
The success of women’s tournaments in recent years indicates a paradigm shift, with broader acceptance and celebration of women’s sports. As interest and participation in women’s football increase, events like the World Cup become crucial platforms for visibility and endorsement.
Official Sources and Further Reading
To stay up-to-date on developments regarding the Women’s World Cup and related events, fans are encouraged to visit official sites like FIFA’s [website](https://www.fifa.com).
