A historic opportunity for the UK to host the Women’s World Cup for the first time.
Topics covered
UK’s Ambitious Bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup
The United Kingdom is gearing up to submit a bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup, a significant milestone that would mark the first time the UK has ever hosted this prestigious tournament.
The Football Associations of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have collectively announced their intention to express interest in hosting the event, which is expected to draw global attention and participation.
FIFA’s Invitation and the Bidding Process
The bidding process for the 2035 Women’s World Cup was officially launched during a recent FIFA Council meeting.
FIFA has invited member associations affiliated with UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to submit their bids for the tournament. This initiative not only opens the door for the UK but also sets the stage for the U.S. and Mexico, who are eyeing the 2031 tournament. FIFA is expected to announce the host nations for both events in 2026, making this a critical period for all bidding nations.
Government Support and Legacy Goals
UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer has expressed strong support for the bid, stating that hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 would be a monumental moment in the UK’s sporting history. He emphasized the potential for growth and a lasting legacy that such an event could bring. UK Sport, the government-funded agency responsible for major sporting events, has identified the Women’s World Cup as one of 70 significant events the UK aims to host by 2040. This aligns with the broader strategy to enhance the UK’s profile in international sports.
Challenges and Competition
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the UK’s bid, competition is fierce. The U.S. Soccer Federation and the Mexican Soccer Federation have announced their joint bid for the 2031 tournament, having previously withdrawn from the 2027 World Cup race. This pivot has raised questions about England’s strategy, with discussions about a potential joint bid among the home nations for 2031. As the landscape of international football evolves, the UK must navigate these challenges while maintaining a focus on its 2035 aspirations.
Future of the Women’s World Cup
Looking ahead, the 2035 Women’s World Cup may see an expansion to 48 teams, similar to the men’s tournament. FIFA is exploring this possibility, which could significantly increase the tournament’s competitiveness and global reach. The Women’s World Cup has already expanded from 24 to 32 teams for the 2023 tournament, reflecting the growing popularity and investment in women’s football.
A Historic Opportunity for the UK
If successful, the UK’s bid would not only be a landmark achievement for England but also for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, marking the first major women’s tournament hosted in these regions. The UK has previously hosted significant football events, including the Men’s World Cup in 1966, but this would be a groundbreaking moment for women’s football in the country.
