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Wholesome reaction as Nikita Paris learns of Maisie Symonds' England call-up (0:28)
Nikita Paris was full of joy as she learned of Brighton teammate Maisie Symonds' England call-up. (0:28)
Associated Press
Apr 3, 2025, 04:24 AM ET
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said the United States and the United Kingdom are poised to be named as hosts of the Women's World Cup in 2031 and 2035, respectively.
Their intentions to bid for the 2031 and 2035 editions are now alone in the contests after a first deadline to enter the race passed. The first formal bid documents must be signed by the end of April.
Infantino told European football officials on Thursday that the governing body received one expression of interest to host the 2031 edition -- from the U.S. with the possibility of other countries in the Concacaf region joining the project. That would likely include Mexico.
Infantino also said FIFA has just one "valid bid" to host the 2035 edition, from Football Associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
That 2035 project was quickly supported by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer when FIFA said it was formally seeking bids from member federations. FIFA excluded Europe from the 2031 contest, clearing the way for a long-expected U.S. win.
Spanish football officials said last week they hoped to bid, possibly with Portugal and Morocco in a repeat of the co-hosting plan for the men's 2030 World Cup.
Infantino's comments to the annual meeting of UEFA seemed to rule out a Spain bid.
"So the path is there for the Women's World Cup to be taking place in '31 and '35 in some great countries," the FIFA president said, "to boost even more the women's football movement."
FIFA is scheduled to confirm Women's World Cup hosts next year. The 2027 edition with 32 teams is being hosted by Brazil.
The Women's World Cup would return to the U.S. for the first time since the 2003 edition of the tournament. The U.S. also hosted in 1999.
England hosted the Women's European Championship in 2022 -- which the Lionesses won -- and the men's Euro 2028 will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
