The United Kingdom has submitted a joint and unopposed bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2035, football officials announced Friday. The bid, encompassing 22 proposed stadiums across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, aims to be the largest single-sport event ever staged in the UK. This marks a significant move for British football and demonstrates confidence in its ability to manage a tournament of this scale.
The proposed finals will feature 48 teams, a new format for the competition beginning in 2031, according to FIFA. If successful, the 2035 iteration will be the first World Cup hosted on British soil since England solely hosted the men’s tournament in 1966. This bid is expected to be formally ratified at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver next year.
UK Prepares to Host the 2035 Women’s World Cup
The bid team emphasized the accessibility of the proposed venues, stating that 63 million people reside within a two-hour radius. This contrasts sharply with previous World Cup locations, like Qatar in 2022, which utilized only eight stadiums. The planned expansion to 48 teams signifies a growing commitment to the global development of women’s football.
Stadium Selection and Infrastructure
Currently, 16 of the shortlisted stadiums are located in England, including the potential for Manchester United’s planned new 100,000-seater arena. Three venues are proposed in Wales, two in Scotland, and one in Northern Ireland, spread across 15 cities. The final list will likely be narrowed down to approximately 16 stadiums before submission to FIFA.
Officials say the current infrastructure across the UK is well-suited to hosting the tournament, minimizing the need for extensive and costly new construction. However, upgrades to transportation and hospitality services in designated host cities are anticipated. Discussions with Manchester United regarding their new stadium are ongoing, with the intention to include it if plans are finalized.
Political and Economic Implications
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his support for the bid, highlighting the nation’s enthusiasm for football. He believes hosting the tournament will provide substantial benefits to communities and businesses throughout the UK. The success of the England Lionesses, who have recently won the European Championships twice and reached the 2023 World Cup final, has spurred increased interest and investment in the women’s game.
The bid also comes as part of broader efforts to promote women’s sport and encourage greater participation at the grassroots level. The joint bid is spearheaded by the football associations of the four home nations, demonstrating a unified front in their pursuit of the tournament. The potential economic impact, including tourism revenue and job creation, is a key factor driving support for the bid.
Competition and Timeline
Alongside the UK bid, a joint candidature from the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup is also slated for approval at next year’s FIFA Congress. This indicates a global interest in hosting this expanded tournament. Brazil is already confirmed as the host nation for the 2027 edition of the World Cup, marking the first time that country will host the event.
The UK bid team will now focus on refining their plans and addressing any potential concerns raised by FIFA. The formal ratification at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver next year represents the next key milestone. The evaluation process and final decision are subject to FIFA’s established criteria and timelines, and potential unforeseen geopolitical factors could influence the outcome.
Looking ahead, the next step involves detailed assessment by FIFA following the Congress. A final decision on the 2035 host is anticipated in late 2024 or early 2025, leaving time for comprehensive planning and preparation. The organizations involved will need to collaboratively work and manage uncertainties as preparations move forward.
