FIFA Excludes Europe from 2031 Women’s World Cup Bid, Favors North American Bid
The United States and Mexico are gearing up to co-host the 2031 Women’s World Cup, a decision that FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, solidified on Wednesday by excluding European nations from the bidding process. This move comes as no surprise, especially after the U.S. and Mexico withdrew from the 2027 bid to focus on the 2031 edition. The 2027 tournament is set to take place in Brazil, which outshone a European co-hosting bid from Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. FIFA’s decision aligns with the rotation system for hosting major tournaments, ensuring that different regions around the world have the opportunity to showcase their soccer capabilities and infrastructure. The North American soccer body CONCACAF is due for another Women’s World Cup ahead of the European body UEFA, and both the U.S. and Mexico have a strong track record in hosting international soccer events, making them prime candidates for the 2031 bid.
Previous Women’s World Cup Hosts and Their Contributions
North America has a rich history of hosting the Women’s World Cup. Canada successfully staged the 2015 edition, and France, a European nation, hosted the 2019 tournament. The U.S. has hosted the Women’s World Cup twice, in 1999 and 2003, both of which were landmark events that significantly boosted the profile and popularity of women’s soccer globally. The 2023 World Cup was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, further expanding the global footprint of this premier competition. These nations have not only provided excellent facilities and organizational support but have also contributed to the growth and development of women’s soccer in their respective regions. With CONCACAF’s turn to host another World Cup, the prospect of the U.S. and Mexico co-hosting the 2031 tournament is highly anticipated.
Africa’s Chance to Host the Women’s World Cup
No African country has ever hosted a Women’s World Cup, a glaring omission in the tournament’s 30-year history. FIFA’s decision to open the bidding for the 2031 tournament to African nations offers a unique opportunity for the continent to make its mark on the global stage. South Africa, which initially entered a bid for the 2027 contest, withdrew months before the vote. This withdrawal highlighted the challenges African nations face in terms of infrastructure and financial resources, but it also underscores the importance of FIFA’s support in helping these countries overcome these hurdles. The 2031 bid could be a transformative moment for women’s soccer in Africa, potentially paving the way for increased investment and development in the sport across the continent.
FIFA’s Invitation for the 2035 Women’s World Cup
FIFA also extended an invitation to European and African nations to bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup. The British Isles, represented by the Football Associations of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, have shown significant interest in the tournament. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced his support for the bid, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of football in the UK. "Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity," Starmer said. "The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy." The cumulative experience of these nations in hosting international sporting events and their commitment to women’s soccer make them strong contenders for the 2035 bid.
British Federations’ Joint Bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup
The Football Associations of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are set to submit a declaration of interest to FIFA in the first quarter of this year. This joint bid is a testament to the unity and cooperation within British soccer, which has been evident in recent years. England’s successful hosting of the Women’s European Championship in 2022 and the upcoming joint bid for the men’s Euros in 2028 with Ireland, Scotland, and Wales demonstrate the region’s readiness and capability to organize and deliver world-class soccer events. The bid is not just about winning the tournament; it’s about creating a legacy for women’s soccer in the UK and inspiring future generations of female players.
Impact and Legacy of Hosting Major Soccer Tournaments
Hosting major soccer tournaments like the Women’s World Cup can have profound and lasting impacts on both the sport and the host nation. These events often lead to significant investments in infrastructure, such as stadiums, training facilities, and transportation networks, which benefit local communities long after the tournament concludes. They also provide a platform to showcase the host nation’s culture and values, fostering international goodwill and tourism. For the U.S. and Mexico, co-hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup could further cement their positions as leaders in women’s soccer, while for an African nation, it would represent a historic milestone. Similarly, a successful 2035 bid by the British Isles would enhance the region’s legacy in women’s soccer and contribute to the continued growth and professionalization of the sport in the UK. As FIFA looks to select the hosts for both tournaments next year, the eyes of the soccer world will be closely following these developments, eager to see which nations will rise to the challenge.
