The Football Associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have announced their intention to submit a joint bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
This decision follows FIFA’s recommendation that the tournament be hosted in Europe or Africa in 2035.
The bid process is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the UK and Ireland facing potential competition from South Africa.
The UK government has pledged its “full support” for the bid, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing the importance of football to the nation’s identity.
The UK has a proven track record of hosting successful major tournaments, including the Women’s Euro 2022, which saw England defeat Germany in the final at Wembley.
The UK is also set to host the men’s Euro 2028, with matches taking place across England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.
The 2035 Women’s World Cup bid is seen as a strong opportunity for the UK to bring the tournament to its shores for the first time.
With decisions now taken by all 211 FIFA member nations, the UK’s chances of securing the hosting rights are considered much stronger than in previous bids.
The joint bid has received enthusiastic support from the Football Associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, who believe that hosting the tournament would have a profound impact on the growth of women’s football in the UK.
