The United Kingdom has announced its intention to bid for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with all four home nations uniting in this ambitious effort.
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will collectively submit an expression of interest to FIFA following today’s decision by the FIFA Council to recommend that the 2035 tournament be hosted in Europe or Africa.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has given his full backing to the bid.
“Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity,” said Starmer. “The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy.”
The UK are keen to host the Women’s World Cup in 2035
PA
The Prime Minister highlighted how England’s hosting of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 inspired a generation of girls.
The declaration of interest will be submitted to FIFA in the first quarter of 2025.
FIFA announced the bidding timetable today, with bids for both the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cup to be submitted during the fourth quarter of 2025.
A decision on both tournaments is anticipated during the second quarter of 2026.
The CEOs of all four Football Associations expressed enthusiasm for the joint bid.
Mark Bullingham of the English FA said they “could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022.”
Patrick Nelson of the Irish FA, Ian Maxwell of the Scottish FA, and Noel Mooney of the Welsh FA all highlighted how the tournament would boost women’s football in their respective nations.
The bid comes as FIFA continues to expand women’s football globally.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
England lost the Women’s World Cup against Spain in 2023
PA
The governing body recently announced a new Women’s Club World Cup to begin in 2028, featuring 16 teams from all six confederations.
FIFA is also launching a Women’s Champions Cup in 2026, which will be the first global competition in women’s club football.
Both initiatives aim to support the growth of the women’s game worldwide.