The United Kingdom is on course to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup after being named the only “valid” bidder for the tournament, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed.
England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland submitted a joint bid in March, and with no other bids meeting the deadline, the UK is in pole position to stage the competition.
“Today, I can confirm we received one valid bid for 2035, from Europe and the home nations,” Infantino announced at a UEFA congress in Belgrade. “The path is there for the Women’s World Cup in 2035 to take place in some great nations and further boost the women’s football movement.”
The decision marks a historic moment, as it would be the first senior World Cup held in the UK since England hosted the men’s tournament in 1966.
Excitement Builds Across the UK
Football Association (FA) chief executive Mark Bullingham welcomed the news, saying, “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035. The hard work starts now to put together the best possible bid.”
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland also expressed their enthusiasm, emphasizing the tournament’s potential to inspire young players and elevate the women’s game.
England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman added, “We saw how the 2022 Euros changed the game. Hosting a World Cup on an even bigger stage would be incredible.”
Next Steps for the UK Bid
The UK must submit a formal proposal by the end of the year, with FIFA set to officially confirm the host at a congress in 2026.
If ratified, the tournament is expected to follow the growing trend of expansion, with FIFA also announcing that the 2031 Women’s World Cup will increase to 48 teams, up from 32 in 2027.
With England expected to host the majority of matches—including a possible Wembley final—the UK is now on the verge of welcoming the world’s best female footballers for an unforgettable summer in 2035.
