FIFA President Infantino Announces U.S. and UK as Future Women’s World Cup Hosts
In a significant announcement that has the global football community buzzing, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the United States and the United Kingdom are on track to host the Women’s World Cup in 2031 and 2035, respectively. This exciting news was shared during the UEFA Congress in Belgrade, where Infantino highlighted the unique position of these two bids.
Infantino stated, “As part of the bidding process, we received one bid for ’31 and one bid, valid bid, I should add for ’35.” He further elaborated, “The ’31 bid is from the United States of America and potentially some other Concacaf members together and the ’36 bid is from Europe from the Home Nations so the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in ’31 and ’35 in some great countries and some great nations to boost even more the women’s football movement.”
The UK and U.S. Lead the Charge
The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland was the only “valid bid” for the 2035 tournament after the deadline passed, while the United States was the sole bidder for the 2031 edition. This development sets the stage for two monumental events in women’s football, with both nations having a rich history in the sport.
The UK has never hosted a Women’s World Cup, although England did host the Women’s Euros in 2022, triumphantly winning the tournament on home soil. The men’s team last hosted the World Cup in 1966, and the 2035 bid could potentially open doors for the men’s team to host a future edition.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer quickly supported the UK’s 2035 project in March when FIFA announced it was formally seeking bids from member federations. Notably, FIFA excluded Europe from the 2031 contest, paving the way for the U.S. to secure the bid.
Spain’s Hopes Dashed
Meanwhile, the Spanish Federation had expressed interest in bidding, possibly in collaboration with Portugal and Morocco, who are set to host the men’s 2030 World Cup. However, Infantino’s declaration of only one “valid bid” for 2035 effectively ruled out the reigning world champions from hosting the tournament.
England FA CEO Mark Bullingham expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are honoured 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. The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”
U.S. Set for a Historic Third Hosting
The United States, having withdrawn plans to host the 2027 edition which Brazil will host, is poised to host their third Women’s World Cup in 2031. Likely in partnership with several other Concacaf nations, possibly Mexico, the U.S. will make history as the first nation to host the tournament three times, following their successful hosting in 1999 and 2003.
As four-time winners, the U.S. has been a dominant force in women’s football, and hosting the 2031 edition will further cement their legacy. The tournament is set to expand to 48 teams for the 2031 World Cup, following a successful expansion to 32 nations in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
Looking Ahead
Formal bids for the 2035 tournament must be submitted this winter, with a vote scheduled for next year to confirm the hosts for both 2031 and 2035. The anticipation is building as these two nations prepare to showcase their passion for women’s football on the world stage.
- The U.S. will host the Women’s World Cup for the third time in 2031.
- The UK is set to host the Women’s World Cup for the first time in 2035.
- The tournament will expand to 48 teams in 2031.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report
Originally Written by: ESPN
