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Doha – The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced Thursday it is exploring a joint bid with Spain and Morocco to host the 2039 FIFA Women’s World Cup, following England’s confirmation as the 2035 host country.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and its two counterparts aim to submit a joint bid to organize the World Cup scheduled for 2039,” the Portuguese federation stated in an official communication.
The announcement comes after an earlier bid for 2035 fell through when UEFA backed the United Kingdom’s solo candidacy.
Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Rafael Louzán had announced last Friday their intention to bid for 2035 alongside Morocco and Portugal, but the proposal faced immediate obstacles.
According to sources within UEFA, Louzán’s announcement caught European football officials off guard, as they were already aligned with England’s bid.
“Given that the concurrent participation of the three 2030 host countries would not be possible, it was decided not to continue and to pursue other alternatives to strengthen women’s football,” officials from Las Rozas explained.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed during the 49th UEFA Congress in Belgrade that only one valid European bid was received for 2035.
The English FA’s Chief Executive Mark Bullingham welcomed their unopposed status. “Hosting the first World Cup since 1966 with our friendly nations will be very special. The hard work starts now,” he stated.
The three countries’ renewed focus on 2039 builds upon their existing collaboration for the 2030 men’s World Cup. Spain currently ranks second in FIFA’s women’s rankings, with Portugal at 22nd and Morocco at 60th.
Spanish national women’s team coach Montse Tomé, speaking before the bid withdrawal, had supported hosting the tournament.
“It would be a great joy if Spain could be among the options to bring the Women’s World Cup to our country,” she had said. “Having experienced the 2019 World Cup in France, I’ve seen how it increased attention to our national team.”
The FIFA timeline for the 2035 World Cup host selection will conclude during the organization’s 76th Congress in the second quarter of 2026, marking the first instance where two tournaments – 2031 and 2035 – will be assigned simultaneously.
The United States and Mexico remain the sole bidders for 2031.
