In an exciting development for international football, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially confirmed that the United States and the United Kingdom will host the upcoming Women’s World Cup tournaments in 2031 and 2035, respectively. The announcement was made during the UEFA Congress held in Belgrade, setting the stage for what promises to be two historic and highly anticipated events.
A Homecoming for U.S. Women’s Soccer in 2031
The 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup is headed back to the United States, a country that has long been a powerhouse in the sport. This marks the third time the U.S. will welcome the world’s best female footballers, following its successful stints in 1999 and 2003.
With no competing bids submitted, the United States was the sole applicant for the tournament. The U.S. Soccer Federation, in a statement, expressed excitement over the opportunity, vowing to deliver an unforgettable tournament that not only captivates fans globally but also drives the growth of women’s football for generations to come.
There’s also growing speculation that this could be a joint venture. Talks are ongoing to include other CONCACAF nations, notably Mexico, in a potential co-hosting agreement. If realized, the collaboration could bolster regional ties and shine a spotlight on the rising standard of women’s football across North and Central America.
For more on the rise of women’s football in the U.S., explore our in-depth coverage at FemaleSports.in.
UK Set to Make Women’s World Cup Debut in 2035
While England has hosted major women’s football tournaments in the past, including the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, the 2035 Women’s World Cup will be the United Kingdom’s first time hosting the prestigious global event. The bid includes participation from all four home nations—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—and was the only valid submission for that tournament cycle.
Plans are already being mapped out to ensure the UK puts on a world-class event. Wembley Stadium is the leading candidate for the final, while a proposed 100,000-seater stadium in Manchester, backed by Manchester United, could become another major venue. The bid draws heavily on the success of Euro 2022, which brought together record-breaking crowds and renewed national interest in the women’s game.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the news, pointing to football’s central role in British culture. He described the tournament as a “golden opportunity” to build on the momentum of the Euros, encourage more young girls to take up the sport, and strengthen local economies through tourism and global exposure.
A Bigger and Bolder Tournament Format
With growing global interest in the women’s game, FIFA is preparing to expand the World Cup format. Starting with the 2031 edition, the tournament will feature 48 teams—up from 32 in the 2023 and 2027 competitions. This move mirrors the structure used in the men’s event and is seen as a testament to how far women’s football has come.
This expansion will bring new logistical challenges, but both the U.S. and UK are well-equipped to handle the scale. From stadium readiness to transportation infrastructure and community engagement, preparations are already in motion. FIFA is expected to finalize and ratify the host decisions at its 2026 Congress.
What This Means for the Future of Women’s Football
Bringing the Women’s World Cup back to the U.S. and introducing it to the UK represents more than just two major sporting events—it signals a broader shift in how the world views and supports women’s football. The 2031 and 2035 editions have the potential to break records in attendance, viewership, and participation. More importantly, they promise to inspire the next generation of athletes, especially young girls who will be watching and dreaming of one day playing on such a stage.
These tournaments could very well redefine the landscape of women’s football, pushing it further into the mainstream and cementing its place alongside the men’s game in terms of prestige, investment, and global appeal.
