Women’s World Cup: FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially announced that the United Kingdom will host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have come together to submit the only valid bid for the tournament, ensuring that the Women’s World Cup will be played on UK soil for the very first time.
England will serve as the primary host nation, but stadiums across all four home nations will share the spotlight. While the formal bid still needs to be submitted by November, this is largely seen as a formality, given the lack of competition. Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English FA, called it a “special” moment, noting that it would be the first senior World Cup held in the UK since England’s famous victory in 1966.
Women’s World Cup: A Walkover Win for the UK
Unlike the nerve-wracking bidding wars that have characterized past World Cup host selections, the UK’s path to securing the 2035 tournament was as clear as an open goal. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco had initially considered a joint bid, but a series of registration mishaps and internal disagreements led to their bid being ruled invalid. With no other valid submissions, the UK effectively won by default—though that’s certainly not dampening the celebratory mood.
This uncontested victory presents an exciting opportunity for the UK to showcase its world-class football infrastructure and passionate fan base. The tournament is expected to boost the domestic women’s game significantly, attracting investment and further cementing the UK’s reputation as a footballing powerhouse.
Women’s World Cup: The US Gears Up for 2031
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the United States has also secured hosting rights for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, once again as the only valid bidder. Initially, the U.S. had joined forces with Mexico for a 2027 bid but later withdrew to focus on 2031, allowing Brazil to step in and claim the 2027 tournament.
Though Mexico is no longer officially part of the 2031 bid, FIFA is considering spreading matches across CONCACAF nations, potentially including venues in Costa Rica and Jamaica. This would align with FIFA’s broader ambition to make women’s football more global and accessible.
Women’s World Cup: Expansion on the Horizon
In an ambitious move, FIFA has confirmed that the Women’s World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams beginning in 2031, mirroring the men’s tournament’s expansion in 2026. Infantino has championed this move as a way to foster greater competitiveness and provide more nations with the opportunity to participate on the world stage.
While some critics argue that the expansion could dilute the quality of play, proponents highlight the potential benefits in growing the women’s game worldwide, particularly in underrepresented regions. For the UK and U.S., both set to host expanded tournaments, this presents a logistical challenge—but one they appear ready to embrace.
What’s Next?
With the UK’s formal bid submission deadline looming in November, the finalization of plans and venues will soon take center stage. Expect historic stadiums like Wembley and Hampden Park to feature prominently in the tournament lineup. Meanwhile, the U.S. will likely begin mapping out its venue strategy for 2031, with potential matches taking place in Central America and the Caribbean.
Football fans in both the UK and U.S. can start the countdown now—the future of the Women’s World Cup is set, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.
