United States to host 2031 Women's World Cup and United Kingdom set for 2035, confirms Infantino
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed during the UEFA Congress in Belgrade that the United States is the sole valid bidder to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while the United Kingdom — through a joint bid by England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — is set to host the 2035 edition. The information was first reported by ESPN.
With no rival candidates, both bids are expected to be ratified, marking a new chapter for the women’s game. The 2031 tournament would be the USA’s third time hosting the event, after 1999 and 2003, and could include co-hosting Concacaf nations, likely Mexico. The 2035 edition would be the first-ever Women’s World Cup hosted in the UK, whose last men’s tournament dates back to 1966.
Infantino said the path was clear: “We received one bid for '31 and one valid bid for '35.” The Spanish federation had hinted at a joint bid with Portugal and Morocco, but FIFA has only acknowledged the UK’s as eligible for 2035.
The announcement comes as FIFA prepares to expand the women’s tournament to 48 teams in 2031, a massive leap from the 32-nation format that debuted in 2023. U.S. Soccer welcomed the chance to leave a "lasting legacy" and inspire future generations. The English FA also expressed its honor to be bidding, pledging to submit a complete proposal by year’s end.
Infantino also revealed plans to flip the Olympic football format: increasing the women’s tournament to 16 teams and reducing the men’s to 12, pending approval by the IOC. The decision could significantly boost the global profile of women’s football heading into the next decade.
Facundo Trotta Arrieta
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