The Football Associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have announced their intention to bid for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, following FIFA’s recommendation that Europe or Africa should host the tournament.
This bid is a big move for the UK, which has hosted several major European football events in recent years, including UEFA Women’s Euro 2022—a tournament England won on home soil—and the 2024 UEFA Champions League final.
FIFA’s Roadmap for Women’s World Cup Hosting
2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup: To be hosted by a UEFA (Europe) or CAF (Africa) nation, with the UK officially entering the race.
Expansion to 48 Teams: The tournament is expected to grow from 32 teams to 48 after the 2027 edition in Brazil.
UK Prime Minister Backs the Bid
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his full support, stating:
“Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity.”
“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.”
UK’s World Cup Hosting History
The UK has previously bid for men’s World Cups, but with little success:
2006 World Cup bid – Earned just two votes.
2018 World Cup bid – Lost to Russia.
Last FIFA World Cup hosted in the UK – 1966 Men’s World Cup, which England won.
If the 2035 bid is successful, it would be the first Women’s World Cup hosted in the UK and the first FIFA World Cup of any kind in the UK since 1966.
Host Announcement Timeline
FIFA is expected to announce the hosts of the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups at the FIFA Congress in 2026.
