March 6 – The four nations of the UK are planning a joint bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup after FIFA recommended it should be staged in either Europe or Africa.
The move, if successful, would mark Britain’s first major global football tournament since the men’s World Cup in 1966 and a “monumental moment in our nation’s sporting history”, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
At this stage it is only a formal expression of interest in staging the tournament, which is likely to comprise 48 teams and is to be submitted this month.
On Wednesday a meeting of the FIFA Council ruled that the tournament would be awarded to member associations affiliated either to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) or UEFA.
Given the bid is only an expression of interest at this stage and the tournament is still 10 years away, there are plenty of unknowns in terms of logistics and which other nations might go for it.
However, the UK home nations feel their strong track record will give them a fighting chance.
“We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the UEFA Women’s Euro in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England,” said Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English FA.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome the world, and hosting participating nations and fans in sold-out stadiums. There is outstanding support for the women’s game in this country and we want to maximise this, not only for women’s and girls’ football here but also for the benefit of the global game.”
Backing the move, Starmer said football was a key part of British identity. “Whether we watch on TV, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like little else,” he said.
“That pride was on full display when England hosted UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. It not only showed the best of our nation to the world but inspired a generation of girls into the game, all whilst boosting the economy.
“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 FA’s intention to bid has my government’s full support.”
Ian Maxwell, CEO of the Scottish FA, believes the tournament could “supercharge” growth, while Noel Mooney, CEO of the Welsh FA, said that the bid comes at a time of “rapidly growing interest and participation in women’s football” in the country, following Wales’ qualification for a first major international women’s tournament, this summer’s Euros in Switzerland.
Patrick Nelson, CEO of the Irish FA, added: “This opportunity to serve the world would encourage and excite even more girls to dream of wearing our green shirt.”
The bidding process for both the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups will be run together, with the process beginning this spring.
After an initial expression of interest, which must be made within the next month, full bids have to be submitted by the end of this year, with a final vote on hosting expected to be made by FIFA’s 211 members at its congress in the second quarter of 2026.
The 2031 edition will be held in a CAF or CONCACAF nation, with the United States emerging as frontrunner. Like the men next year, the competition is expected to expand to 48 teams from its current 32-team structure after the 2027 event in Brazil.
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