Full Time: A show about women's soccer

Reacting to the United States' 2031 Women's World Cup bid

Full Time: A show about women's soccer

Published: 4 April 2025 at 10:57 Europe/London

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Episode notes

The USA is all but confirmed to co-host the 2031 Women's World Cup.

The news is not official just yet but comes after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in an address that the Americans were part of a lone bid for 2031, while the UK was the sole bidder for 2035.

On this week's Full Time Focus, host Jilian Sakovits and the newest member of The Athletic's global women's soccer team, Asli Pelit Basker, react to the news, break down the procedure that remains to ratify the decision while also unpacking what FIFA, U.S. Soccer, and Concacaf need to overcome.

PLUS: Charlotte Harpur joins the show to analyze Manchester United's decision to extend the contract of head coach Marc Skinner.

Jilian and Producer Theo touch on more NWSL news and what they're looking out for when the USWNT faces Brazil this weekend.

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Articles from the show:

FIFA confirms U.S.-Mexico, UK as sole bidders for 2031, 2035 Women’s World Cups

For 2026 World Cup traveling fans, U.S. visa policy, wait times present roadblocks

Women’s World Cup: Why U.S./Mexico pivoted from 2027 to ‘record-breaking’ bid for 2031

Zambia withdraws four NWSL players from matches in China over United States ‘travel measures’

Fan who used hateful language toward Barba Banda banned by Gotham FC

Viral goal puts Gerard Pique’s women’s soccer league in the spotlight

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner signs new two-year contract

Podcast episodes mentioned on the show: