FIFA has released its evaluation reports on the joint bids to host the 2031 and 2035 Women's World Cups, confirming that both proposals have met the minimum hosting requirements and will be submitted to member associations for a vote later this month.
The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica have jointly submitted the sole bid for the 2031 tournament, which will see the competition expanded from 32 to 48 teams. The 2035 edition has a joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The evaluation reports, published by FIFA on Wednesday, found both bids compliant with the minimum requirements ahead of the vote at the Extraordinary FIFA Congress on November 23.
According to FIFA, the 2031 bid benefits from a strong foundation, particularly following the United States' experience of co-hosting the men's World Cup with Mexico and Canada, as well as staging the 2025 Club World Cup. The women's tournament is projected to attract 4.5 million spectators.
The 2031 proposal features 20 potential stadiums across the four countries, including 14 in the United States, four in Mexico, and one each in Jamaica and Costa Rica. Most of the proposed venues are existing facilities, while the new RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., has yet to be constructed.
Four stadiums have been shortlisted as potential venues for the final: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, AT&T Stadium near Dallas, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Seven proposed venues in the United States and one in Mexico currently have artificial playing surfaces and would need to install natural grass for the tournament. During this summer's men's World Cup, several venues, including Lumen Field in Seattle, used temporary natural-grass pitches.
FIFA also noted that US government agencies had submitted letters of support, committing to meeting requirements related to immigration, visas, work permits and security.
"Accordingly, while certain commitments require further engagement, there is a sound basis for confidence that continued dialogue and collaboration with the relevant government agencies should support the successful organization and delivery of the tournament, should the bid be successful," FIFA said.
The four nations behind the 2035 bid have adopted the theme "All Together", highlighting their joint commitment and experience in hosting major international sporting events.
"The bid draws on the shared commitment of the four member associations and their experience (both current and upcoming) in hosting major international sporting events, including the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 and the UEFA Euro 2028."
The 2035 proposal includes 15 host cities and 19 stadiums across the four nations, with 14 venues in England, two in Northern Ireland, one in Scotland and two in Wales. London's Wembley Stadium has been proposed as the venue for the final.
Meanwhile, FIFA on Wednesday announced the draw procedure for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil. The draw will take place in Rio de Janeiro on December 11.
The 32 participating teams will be divided into four pots of eight. The four highest-ranked teams will be kept apart until the later stages of the competition, provided they finish at the top of their respective groups.
The seeding will be based on FIFA's rankings to be published on December 7. In the current standings, defending champions Spain are ranked first, followed by the United States, Germany and England.