The joint bid by the United States and Mexico for the 2031 Women’s World Cup has gained significant momentum, as FIFA has officially excluded European nations from the bidding process. This decision leaves Africa as the only potential competitor for hosting rights, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.
For the 2035 tournament, FIFA has invited bids exclusively from Europe and Africa, prompting the four British federations—England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales—to announce their intent to participate. This strategic move highlights the growing interest in women’s soccer on a global scale.
FIFA plans to announce the hosts for both tournaments at its annual congress next year, which is expected to take place just before the men’s 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This timing could create a buzz around women’s soccer during a period of heightened attention to the sport.
The U.S. and Mexico’s bid has been viewed as a frontrunner for the 2031 Women’s World Cup since last year, when both federations opted out of competing for the 2027 edition. That tournament will take place in Brazil, which successfully outbid a joint European proposal from Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The North American soccer confederation, CONCACAF, is next in line to host another Women’s World Cup, emphasizing its role in promoting the women’s game ahead of UEFA, the European governing body.
Canada previously hosted the Women’s World Cup in 2015, while France held the tournament in 2019. The U.S. has been a host nation twice, in 1999 and 2003, and Australia and New Zealand recently co-hosted in 2023. Notably, no African nation has yet had the opportunity to host a Women’s World Cup, despite the tournament’s inception in 1991. South Africa’s bid for the 2027 contest was withdrawn before the voting process.
2035 Bid
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has thrown his support behind the 2035 bid, emphasizing the significance of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil. He stated, “Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy.”
The Football Associations of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are set to express their interest to FIFA in the first quarter of this year. This collaboration could pave the way for a historic moment in British sports.
England recently hosted the Women’s European Championship in 2022 and, in partnership with Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, will also host the men’s Euros in 2028. This growing trend of hosting major tournaments underscores the increasing relevance and popularity of women’s soccer on the international stage.
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