FIFA Designates United States to Host Women's World Cup 2031 and UK for 2035
The FIFA president announced the accepted bids during the UEFA Congress in Belgrade, revealing a streamlined selection process for upcoming tournaments.
On April 3, 2023, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced at the UEFA Congress held in Belgrade that the United States has been designated as the host for the 2031 Women's World Cup, while the United Kingdom is set to host the tournament in 2035. This decision comes as part of FIFA's streamlined selection process, which saw only two candidates for these prestigious events.
Infantino stated that 'we have received a bid for 2031 and a valid file for 2035,' emphasizing that the interested hosts had to identify themselves during the first quarter of the year.
With the 2031 event, the United States will host the Women's World Cup for the third time, following its previous stints in 1999 and 2003.
The tournament aims to expand its participant list from 32 to 48 teams, mirroring the expansion set for the men's World Cup in 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Infantino mentioned that the United States may also collaborate with 'some other members of CONCACAF' to enhance the tournament experience.
In regard to the 2035 Women's World Cup, the only valid bid is from Europe, specifically the British Isles, which includes the football federations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
This event marks the first Women's World Cup hosted in the UK since 1966, symbolizing a significant return of football to its historical roots in the region.
A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the announcement as monumental for British sports and a potential catalyst for growth and lasting legacy in football.
Meanwhile, the UK and Ireland will co-host the men's UEFA Euro 2028, awarded without any competitive bids, further highlighting the region's role in international football events.
The upcoming men's World Cups in 2030 and 2034 have also been pre-designated to a coalition of Spain, Morocco, and Portugal for 2030, with Saudi Arabia set to host in 2034.
Infantino stated that 'we have received a bid for 2031 and a valid file for 2035,' emphasizing that the interested hosts had to identify themselves during the first quarter of the year.
With the 2031 event, the United States will host the Women's World Cup for the third time, following its previous stints in 1999 and 2003.
The tournament aims to expand its participant list from 32 to 48 teams, mirroring the expansion set for the men's World Cup in 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Infantino mentioned that the United States may also collaborate with 'some other members of CONCACAF' to enhance the tournament experience.
In regard to the 2035 Women's World Cup, the only valid bid is from Europe, specifically the British Isles, which includes the football federations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
This event marks the first Women's World Cup hosted in the UK since 1966, symbolizing a significant return of football to its historical roots in the region.
A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the announcement as monumental for British sports and a potential catalyst for growth and lasting legacy in football.
Meanwhile, the UK and Ireland will co-host the men's UEFA Euro 2028, awarded without any competitive bids, further highlighting the region's role in international football events.
The upcoming men's World Cups in 2030 and 2034 have also been pre-designated to a coalition of Spain, Morocco, and Portugal for 2030, with Saudi Arabia set to host in 2034.
