What Is 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup bids

Overview

The 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup remains several years away, but early discussions about potential hosts and tournament format are already emerging. FIFA has not yet opened the formal bidding process, which typically begins six to eight years before the event. Given that the 2023 edition was hosted by Australia and New Zealand, expectations are rising for another competitive global bid cycle.

Historically, FIFA announces the host nation seven years in advance, meaning the decision for 2035 will likely occur in 2028 or 2029. With the Women’s World Cup growing in popularity—record-breaking viewership in 2023—the tournament’s expansion and geographic diversity are key considerations. Multiple nations are speculated to be preparing early interest.

• 2029 or 2030: The expected timeframe for FIFA to select the 2035 host nation after formal bids are submitted.
• 6–8 years in advance: FIFA’s standard window for launching the bidding process, consistent with past cycles.
• No official bids: As of 2024, no country has submitted a formal bid for the 2035 tournament.
• 48 teams: A proposed expansion from the current 32-team format to increase global participation.
• Global rotation policy: FIFA may consider regions not recently awarded, such as Africa or South America.

How It Works

The FIFA Women's World Cup bidding process follows a structured timeline involving eligibility checks, inspections, and voting by the FIFA Council. Nations interested in hosting must meet infrastructure, security, and financial criteria set by FIFA. The process ensures transparency and competitive fairness among candidate countries.

• Eligibility Submission: Countries must formally express interest and meet minimum stadium and accommodation standards by 2027.
• Bid Dossier: Applicants submit a detailed proposal outlining stadiums, transport, and financial guarantees by 2028.
• Inspection Phase: FIFA evaluates each bid through site visits and technical reviews in 2028–2029.
• Voting Process: The FIFA Council votes to select the host, typically requiring a two-thirds majority in early rounds.
• Host Announcement: The winning bid is revealed 7 years before the tournament, likely in 2029.
• Post-Award Planning: The host nation finalizes logistics, ticketing, and security with FIFA oversight until kickoff.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of recent and projected Women's World Cup cycles, highlighting key developments leading up to 2035.

The data shows a steady increase in team participation and projected attendance, reflecting the tournament’s global growth. With the 2035 edition likely expanding to 48 teams, logistical demands will rise, favoring nations with existing infrastructure. The United States and Brazil are frequently mentioned as strong contenders due to their soccer popularity and facilities.

Why It Matters

The 2035 Women's World Cup will shape the future of women’s sports on a global scale. As gender equity in sports gains momentum, hosting rights offer nations a platform to demonstrate investment in women athletes and inclusive policies. The economic and cultural impacts are substantial, influencing tourism, media rights, and youth participation.

• Global visibility: Hosting boosts international exposure and promotes gender equality in sports.
• Economic boost: Past hosts saw GDP increases of 0.3–0.7% during tournament years.
• Infrastructure legacy: Stadiums and transit systems benefit communities long after the event.
• Youth engagement: Tournaments inspire millions of girls to participate in soccer.
• Media rights growth: Broadcast deals have increased by 300% since 2015.
• Regional development: FIFA may prioritize underrepresented regions like Africa or South America.

As the 2035 bidding process nears, nations will need to align with FIFA’s vision for inclusivity and growth. The tournament’s expansion signals a pivotal moment for women’s sports, setting new standards for participation and global engagement.