Japan Plans to Host 2031 Women's World Cup

The Philippines is set to host the inaugural ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championships from November 16-21, featuring five nations, as a precursor to the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup, which will occur from November 21 to December 7. This historic event is significant as it marks the first international tournament under the new administration of the Philippine Football Federation, which has invested in women's futsal since 2021. Meanwhile, Japan aims to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup to revive domestic women's football, which has lagged behind Europe and North America since their 2011 championship win. Japan's Football Association president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto acknowledges that the WE League has struggled to gain an audience and emphasizes the need to cultivate a stronger football culture in Japan. The competition for hosting rights for the 2031 event is expected to be fierce, with bids from the United States, Mexico, England, and China. Both events underscore a growing emphasis on women's sports in Asia, aiming to boost participation and visibility.