Japan’s hopes of hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup were dashed after FIFA announced that only North American and African countries would be eligible to submit bids for the tournament.
This decision, made public on Wednesday, also designated Europe and Africa as the contenders for the 2035 event.
Japan Football Association President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the setback but emphasizing that the country would continue its efforts to develop women’s football.
Miyamoto, who had shared Japan’s aspirations to host the 2031 tournament in an interview last year, aimed to use the event to enhance the profile of women’s football in Japan.
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Despite this blow, he reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to growing the sport, widening participation, and raising its standards.
Japan, winners of the 2011 Women’s World Cup, will now have to wait until 2039 at the earliest to make another bid.
Miyamoto remains optimistic about future opportunities, adding that Japan would consider pursuing the 2039 tournament and beyond.
Meanwhile, Brazil has been confirmed as the host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.