The United Kingdom is on course to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, following confirmation from FIFA President Gianni Infantino that the joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland is the sole valid submission. This development positions the UK as the anticipated host for the prestigious tournament.
The collaborative bid was submitted in response to FIFA’s call for expressions of interest, with the UK nations aiming to bring the Women’s World Cup to their home turf for the first time. England’s men’s team famously hosted and won the FIFA World Cup in 1966, making this potential hosting a significant milestone for UK football.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham expressed honour at being the sole bidder, stating, “Hosting England’s first FIFA World Cup since 1966, along with our home nations partners, will be very special. The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”
The bid’s success follows the withdrawal of other potential contenders. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco had initially considered a joint bid but withdrew due to procedural issues and lack of consensus within their football associations.
FIFA’s decision to expand the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams by 2031 underscores the growing prominence of women’s football globally. The UK’s bid aligns with this expansion, aiming to provide world-class venues and infrastructure to accommodate the increased number of participating nations.
Potential venues under consideration include iconic stadiums such as Wembley Stadium in London, Hampden Park in Glasgow, and the proposed new Manchester United stadium. These venues are expected to offer top-tier facilities for the tournament.
The formal selection of the 2035 Women’s World Cup host is scheduled to be confirmed at the 76th FIFA Congress in mid-2026. In the meantime, the UK football associations will work on finalising their comprehensive bid, including securing government guarantees and detailing logistical plans to meet FIFA’s requirements. Hosting the 2035 Women’s World Cup presents an opportunity for the UK to showcase its commitment to women’s football, inspire the next generation of female athletes, and deliver a tournament that could leave a lasting legacy on the sport within the region.
