Japan Eyes 2039 Women's World Cup After FIFA's Regional Shift
Japan Football Association president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto has confirmed the country will now target hosting the 2039 Women's World Cup, following FIFA's decision to exclude Asian nations from bidding for the 2031 and 2035 tournaments. Last week, FIFA outlined its hosting strategy, opening the 2031 edition to African and Concacaf federations—covering North and Central America and the Caribbean—while restricting 2035 to Africa and Europe. For Japan, a nation with its sights set on 2031, this means a longer wait. Miyamoto didn't hide his frustration, calling it 'extremely disappointing,' but quickly pivoted to the future, signaling Japan's resolve to stay in the race.
Undeterred Ambition for Women's Football
Despite the setback, Miyamoto made it clear Japan's commitment to growing women's football remains unshaken. 'We're not stepping back from our goals—more women playing, stronger competition, a better game,' he said in a statement that carried a quiet defiance. Japan's credentials are hard to ignore. The Nadeshiko, as the women's national team is known, lifted the World Cup in 2011, edging Germany in a penalty shootout, and reached the final again in 2015, only falling to the USA. At youth level, they've been relentless, making the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup final in the last three editions. Miyamoto sees this as a foundation to build on, not a peak to rest at.
A Legacy Waiting to Host
Japan's football history adds weight to its aspirations. The country co-hosted the 2002 men's World Cup with South Korea, a logistical triumph that saw packed stadiums and smooth operations across two nations. Yet the Women's World Cup has eluded them. Now, with 2039 as the earliest shot, the focus is on sustaining momentum. 'We're on the right path,' Miyamoto insisted, pointing to packed domestic leagues and rising participation. He's got his eye on more than just hosting—Japan wants its teams, from seniors to juniors, to be in the conversation for world's best, backed by facilities and support that match the ambition.
Global Rotation Shapes the Wait
FIFA's regional rotation means Brazil will stage the next Women's World Cup in 2027, their first go at it after a standout men's tournament in 2014. Then it's Africa or Concacaf in 2031, and Africa or Europe in 2035, leaving Asia on hold. For Japan, the delay stings but isn't fatal. Fans still talk about 2011—the night in Frankfurt when Ayumi Kaihori's saves sealed the title—and the buzz around the Nadeshiko's recent youth success keeps the fire alive. Miyamoto's plan is steady: keep pushing the sport forward, so when 2039 rolls around, Japan's not just ready to host—they're ready to dominate.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
Chimaev Dominates Du Plessis to Claim UFC Middleweight Title
TDT | Manama Chechen-born wrestling powerhouse Khamzat Chimaev captured the UFC middleweight title with a dominant unanimous-decision win over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 on Saturday night in Chicago. All three judges scored the bout 50-44 for Chimaev, who smothered the South African with relentless grappling over five rounds. The 31-year-old set the tone in the opening minute, securing an early takedown and pinning Du Plessis in a crucifix position. Though the ground strikes did limited damage, the champion was unable to escape Chimaev's suffocating control. The same pattern unfolded in rounds two through four, with Chimaev sticking to Du Plessis's back, threatening with chokes and knee strikes while draining his opponent's energy. Du Plessis finally found a sliver of momentum late in the fifth, but by then the result was beyond doubt. 'I never game-plan. I just came in, work like I do in the gym,' Chimaev said afterward, praising his rival. 'That guy is strong and he's the only champion who was saying my name. This guy has real heart, a real lion, a real African lion.' Du Plessis, who lost his belt with the defeat, showed grace in acknowledging Chimaev's performance. 'He deserves this 100 percent and he was the better man tonight. I'll be back. I'll come and get my belt back, but for now it's his and he deserves it.' The win crowns Chimaev as the new face of the UFC's 185-pound division, with Du Plessis vowing to mount a return.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Naser Set for Diamond League in Poland
TDT | Manama Bahrain's sprint sensation Salwa Eid Naser faces one of her toughest challenges of the season today as she lines up in a world-class women's 400 metres at the Silesia Kamila Skolimowska Memorial in Chorzow, Poland. The race, part of the Wanda Diamond League, begins at 5.04pm Bahrain time and features an elite field led by reigning world and Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic. Also competing are Natalia Bukowiecka of Poland, the Paris 2024 Olympic bronze-medallist, Sada Williams of Barbados, Amber Anning of Great Britain, Alexis Holmes of the US, Lieke Klaver of the Netherlands, Henriette Jaeger of Norway, and Martina Weil of Chile. Paulino currently tops the global 400m rankings, with Naser at No.2, Bukowiecka at No.3, and Anning at No.4. Naser enters the race with a season's best of 48.67 seconds, set in April in Kingston, Jamaica. Her personal best of 48.14s, achieved in 2019, remains both the Asian and Bahraini record. Just last weekend, she clocked a stunning 35.85s in the 300m at a meet in Krakow, breaking the Asian, Arab, and national records for the rarely contested distance. She finished second behind Bukowiecka. The 2019 world champion and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist is using today's race as part of her build-up for the World Athletics Championships 2025, to be held from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo's 70,000-capacity National Stadium. More than 2,000 athletes from around 200 countries are expected to compete across 49 events. After Chorzow, Naser will continue her Diamond League campaign in Lausanne on August 20 and in the Zurich final on August 27-28, as she sharpens her form ahead of the worlds.
Biz Bahrain
6 days ago
- Biz Bahrain
EWB signs agreement with Executive Committee of 3rd Asian Youth Games to Host 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025
Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) and the Executive Committee of the Third Asian Youth Games (AYG) have signed an agreement to host the events of the Third Asian Youth Games at the centre, which will be held for the first time in the Kingdom from 22 to 31 October 2025, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him. The signing ceremony took place at EWB in the Sakhir area, in the presence of Sara Ahmed Buhiji, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), Chairperson of EWB, and member of the Supreme Organising Committee; and Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, Secretary General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) and member of the Supreme Organising Committee. The agreement was signed by Yousef Duaij, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Third AYG, and Alan Pryor, General Manager of EWB. Under the agreement, EWB will host the opening ceremony, which will be held indoors for the first time in the history of the Games, as well as 11 sports from the competition schedule, in addition to making use of all the centre's modern facilities equipped with the latest technologies and innovative services. On this occasion, Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of BTEA and Chairperson of EWB, affirmed the commitment to ensuring the success of the Third AYG and organising them in the best possible manner, enhancing the Kingdom's position as a prominent destination for hosting major international sporting events. She said: 'We at EWB are proud to host the Third AYG, which will attract thousands of young athletes from across Asia to compete at the highest level in several sports. The centre's advanced facilities and strategic location offer an ideal environment for showcasing sporting excellence and promoting the spirit of competition among participating youth. 'Hosting this Asian sporting event at the centre reflects the growing confidence in its ability to deliver distinctive sporting experiences, thus enhancing its status as a leading global venue for major international sporting events and as an ideal location for indoor championships.' For his part, Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, Secretary General of the BOC and member of the Supreme Organising Committee, said: 'We are pleased to sign this agreement with EWB, where the centre will host the opening ceremony and competitions in 11 of the 24 sports in the Third AYG. We are proud of this distinguished national landmark, which provides world-class infrastructure that will offer an exceptional experience for athletes and spectators alike.' He pointed out that this cooperation reflects the integration of efforts between national institutions to serve Bahraini sport and to strengthen the Kingdom's image as a leading hub for hosting major sporting events, contributing to driving economic development, boosting tourism, and showcasing Bahrain's civilisational profile to guests from across Asia. He expressed his appreciation for all the facilities and services the centre intends to provide to ensure the success of the event. Yousef Duaij, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Third AYG, said: 'We are pleased to sign the agreement with EWB, which will serve as a main venue for the Games by hosting the opening ceremony and competitions in 11 sports. This cooperation reflects our commitment to providing the best facilities and arrangements for athletes and participating delegations, and to ensuring the organisation of a sporting event that meets the highest international standards.' He added: 'At the Executive Committee, we attach great importance to partnerships with leading national institutions, working together as one team to deliver an exceptional edition that leaves a positive mark on Bahraini sport and strengthens the Kingdom's position on the continental and international sports map.'
