USA, Mexico joint bid for 2031 Women's FIFA World Cup now has clear path

The United States and Mexico's joint bid for the 2031 Women's FIFA World Cup was handed a major boost when FIFA announced they were excluding Europe from bidding for hosting rights. The U.S. and Mexico - who had previously said they would make a joint bid - can now only face a rival bid from Africa for the tournament.

FIFA has also only invited bids for the 2035 tournament from Europe and Africa, with all four UK federations launching a joint bid.

FIFA said it expects to pick hosts for both tournaments at its annual congress meeting next year, likely on the eve of the start of the Men's World Cup - which is being hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

U.S. Soccer confirmed they were finalizing a bid upon FIFA's announcement.

"U.S. Soccer, in partnership with CONCACAF and its members, will complete the bid process to host the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup," the federation posted on social media. "We are excited by the opportunity to welcome teams and fans, inspire the next generation and grow the game regionally and globally."

The U.S. and Mexico have been favorites to host the tournament after pulling out their bid for the 2027 contest, which has now been awarded to Brazil. However, the U.S. Soccer statement on Wednesday did not specifically reference Mexico.

No African country has ever hosted a Women's World Cup.

The U.S. hosted the Women's World Cup in 1999 and 2003, and Canada hosted it in 2015 - with the CONCACAF nations proving to be successful hosts.

The 2027 Women's FIFA World Cup will be played in Brazil, and come summer 2026, the U.S. and Mexico will reportedly find out of their bid is selected for 2031 hosting rights.