United States to host the 2031 Women's World Cup

The United States is preparing to host the 2031 Women's World Cup, having emerged as the sole bidder for the prestigious tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed this development during an address at the UEFA Congress held in Belgrade on April 3, 2025. The U.S. bid is expected to potentially include other nations from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf). While the U.S. is confirmed for 2031, Infantino also mentioned a joint bid from the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, for the 2035 tournament. Last year, the U.S. Soccer Federation and the Mexican Football Federation withdrew their joint bid to host the 2027 Women's World Cup to concentrate their efforts on the 2031 tournament instead. Brazil has been awarded the 2027 Women’s World Cup, making the 2031 bid even more vital for the U.S. and its soccer organizations. The announcement is part of a broader strategy by FIFA to boost interest and participation in women's soccer globally. The Women’s World Cup is currently played in a 32-team format, but discussions about expanding to 48 teams for the 2031 edition are also on the table, with Infantino committing to further discussions at the FIFA Council. The U.S. has a rich history in hosting the Women's World Cup, having previously hosted it in 1999 and 2003, events that were pivotal in advancing the women's game in the country. These tournaments were marked by significant public engagement and showcased the abilities of female athletes on an international stage. The upcoming tournament in 2031 is viewed as a culmination of a boom period for soccer in the United States, which includes several high-profile events in the near future, such as the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2028 Olympic soccer tournament in Los Angeles. With the confirmed bid and potential collaborations with other Concacaf nations, the stage is set for a landmark event in women's sports that aims to elevate women's soccer and foster a greater sustainability for the sport in the U.S. It highlights a continued commitment to enhancing the profile of women’s soccer, setting the groundwork for future generations of athletes to thrive.