The potential joint bid by the United States and Mexico to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup now seems to have a clearer path to success, with the only competition coming from Africa, following FIFA’s latest announcements. Europe has been excluded from the process, narrowing the field of contenders.
Furthermore, FIFA has opened bids for the 2035 tournament, exclusively inviting interest from Europe and Africa. The football federations of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales have announced their intention to pursue this opportunity. In keeping with tradition, FIFA anticipates deciding on the host nations for both 2031 and 2035 at its next annual congress, which will likely coincide with the men’s 2026 World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The U.S. and Mexico partnership has held a favorable position to clinch the 2031 Women’s World Cup hosting rights since they chose to bow out of the 2027 race. The 2027 tournament is scheduled to take place in Brazil, which successfully outbid a joint effort from Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The governing body for North American soccer, CONCACAF, is overdue for another opportunity to host the Women’s World Cup, following previous successful events in Canada, the United States, and the recent co-hosting by Australia and New Zealand.
Despite no African nation having hosted a Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991, there remains a slim chance for a bid from Africa. South Africa showed interest in the 2027 tournament but withdrew ahead of the decision-making vote.
In a recent show of support, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed enthusiasm for a possible UK-hosted World Cup in 2035. “Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity,” Starmer noted, underscoring the significance of hosting such a prestigious event. The national football bodies from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales plan to formalize their interest in the bids within the first few months of the year. England has recently held the Women’s European Championship in 2022 and, together with Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, is slated to host the men’s Euros in 2028.
As for club-level competitions, FIFA has confirmed the introduction of a Women’s Club World Cup in 2028, responding to long-standing calls for such a tournament. Set for January-February 2028, this competition will feature 19 teams. Initial rounds will see representatives from each continent compete for entry into a 16-team group stage, with Europe securing five direct entries. The specific venue for this tournament is yet to be decided, but it involves a sequence of play-in games and a knockout phase.
Preceding the innagural Club World Cup, an annual Women’s Champions Cup will take place in 2026, featuring the champions from the five continental confederations. This move illustrates FIFA’s commitment to expanding the landscape of women’s soccer at both international and club levels.
