USA And UK On Track To Host Expanded Women’s World Cups In 2031 And 2035

The United States and the United Kingdom are poised to secure hosting rights for the next two FIFA Women’s World Cups — events that will see the tournament grow from 32 to a record-breaking 48 teams.

With the initial bid deadline now passed, the U.S. is the sole contender for the 2031 edition, while the U.K. stands alone in the race for 2035. Formal bid documents are due by the end of April, making both nations front-runners in what now appear to be uncontested campaigns.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed during UEFA’s annual congress in Belgrade, Serbia, that the only official expression of interest for 2031 came from the U.S., potentially in partnership with other CONCACAF nations — most likely including Mexico.

“We look forward to sharing more details and unveiling our full vision for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the near future,” said the U.S. Soccer Federation in a statement.

For 2035, FIFA has received one valid bid — from the U.K.’s football associations, centered on England. English FA CEO Mark Bullingham said:
“Hosting the first FIFA World Cup on home soil since 1966 with our partner nations would be incredibly special. The hard work starts now to build the strongest possible bid by year’s end.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer threw his support behind the U.K.’s ambitions last month, shortly after FIFA officially opened the bidding process. Europe has been excluded from contention for the 2031 tournament, effectively paving the way for a long-anticipated U.S. victory.

Spain had considered a bid for 2031, potentially alongside Portugal and Morocco, following the same model as the 2030 men’s tournament. However, they missed the deadline to declare interest, and Infantino’s remarks at UEFA's meeting suggest a Spanish bid is now off the table.

“The path is now clear for the Women’s World Cups in 2031 and 2035 to be hosted in some incredible countries,” Infantino said. “This will continue to drive the growth of women’s football worldwide.”

FIFA is expected to officially announce the hosts next year. The 2027 Women’s World Cup, featuring 32 teams, will be held in Brazil.

If successful, 2031 would mark the first Women’s World Cup hosted by the U.S. since 2003 — the nation also hosted in 1999. Meanwhile, the U.K. has recent experience with major tournaments, having hosted the Women’s European Championship in 2022, which England won, and preparing to co-host the men’s Euro 2028 with Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

Olympic Shake-Up: More Women’s Teams in 2028?

In a further boost for the women’s game, FIFA has proposed flipping the number of men’s and women’s teams at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Currently, the Olympic men’s tournament features 16 teams, while the women’s includes just 12. Despite the International Olympic Committee’s commitment to gender equality, expanding the women’s tournament to 16 teams would mean adding around 70 more athletes — potentially breaching the IOC’s overall athlete quota.

Nevertheless, Infantino announced on Thursday that FIFA is formally proposing a reversal: 16 women’s teams and 12 men’s.

The final decision lies with the IOC, which will discuss the proposal at its executive board meeting next Wednesday.