Japan has officially announced its ambition to host the Football Women World Cup 2031, with hopes of rejuvenating the domestic women’s game and narrowing the gap with European and North American teams. The President of the Japan Football Association (JFA), Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, expressed these aspirations during an interview at the JFA headquarters in Tokyo.
Japan made history by winning the Women’s World Cup in 2011; however, in recent years, they have struggled to keep pace as women’s football has surged in popularity across Europe. Tsuneyasu Miyamoto stated, “We would like to raise the value of women’s football here,” emphasizing the need for increased attention and investment in the sport.
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, who captained the Japanese men’s team during their co-hosting of the World Cup with South Korea in 2002, believes that the Football Women’s World Cup 2031 could reignite interest in the sport.
He pointed out that the men’s tournament significantly boosted the football culture in Japan, and he hopes to replicate that success for women’s football. Despite having never hosted the Women’s World Cup before, Japan is set to face formidable competition from a joint bid by the United States and Mexico, along with interest from England and China.
The WE League, Japan’s professional women’s league launched in 2021, has struggled to attract a large audience, falling short of the attendance and revenue figures seen in European and U.S. leagues. “We would like to increase the number of women players here,” Miyamoto added, highlighting the need for grassroots development alongside professional league growth.
Japan’s women’s team has not progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the World Cup since losing to the United States in the final in 2015. Reflecting on the 2011 victory, Miyamoto noted that Japan “could have done better” to capitalize on the triumph, which initially sparked immense interest in women’s football but has since diminished.
In seeking to change the narrative, Tsuneyasu Miyamoto emphasizes the need for a more passionate football culture in Japan. Drawing inspiration from his experiences in Europe, particularly during his time with Red Bull Salzburg, he remarked, “They have their own culture; they have football in their daily lives.” Tsuneyasu Miyamoto aims to foster a similar environment in Japan, where football becomes an integral part of the cultural fabric.
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, who has a rich history in Japanese football, including 71 international appearances and leadership in the J. League, believes the steady stream of Japanese players excelling in Europe has improved the national team’s performance. “It’s very normal for them to play in the Champions League,” he stated, acknowledging the growing confidence of Japanese players against formidable teams like Germany and Spain.
Despite the advancements, challenges remain for J. League clubs, particularly concerning the low transfer fees for Japanese players compared to their South American counterparts. Tsuneyasu Miyamoto is committed to cultivating new talent while also addressing the financial dynamics affecting clubs, especially when players with expiring contracts remain in official matches.
As the first JFA president to have played in a World Cup and the youngest since World War II, Tsuneyasu Miyamoto brings a fresh perspective to Japanese football. He is a graduate of the FIFA Master Sports Executive program and has previously coached Gamba Osaka. “Maybe a new generation might be able to bring something new into this world,” he concluded, underscoring his vision for the future of Japanese football.
With the Football Women’s World Cup 2031 bid underway, Japan is poised for a transformative journey in women’s football, aiming to reclaim its place on the global stage.
In a significant boost for sports enthusiasts, Pakistan is set to host the prestigious Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. This marks a significant moment for the country as it welcomes an international event of this scale for the first time in years.
Cricket enthusiasts are particularly eager for the tournament, especially the highly anticipated Pakistan vs. India clash, which may take place in Dubai due to India’s participation uncertainty stemming from political tensions.
